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  • From the Desk of Al Franken

A gift as big as Texas

Trump just handed Democrats a huge gift by endorsing TX Attorney General Ken Paxton — a literal felon — for the Texas senate seat.

This means that James Talarico has a real shot at becoming the first Democrat to win the Texas Senate race in over 30 years. And the polls agree!

Now, it’s not exactly shocking that Trump gave Ken Paxton his “complete and total endorsement” for being “a true MAGA Warrior.” Let’s just say he sees himself in Ken. For instance, they both have mugshots! Cute! 

But for those of you lucky enough not to follow Texas politics closely, let me introduce you to Ken Paxton:

  • He’s been indicted on charges of felony securities fraud.

  • The Republican-controlled Texas House voted to impeach him on allegations of bribery, dereliction of duty, obstruction of justice, and abuse of the public trust.

  • Oh, and his wife — a Texas state senator and longtime political adviser — filed for divorce last year on “biblical grounds.” Which is…not usually a great sign.

So naturally, Trump looked at Ken and thought: “Perfect.”

Here’s the important part: Senate control could absolutely come down to Texas this November. And if there’s one thing I can promise you about a Texas Senate race, it’s this: it’s going to be very, very expensive.

That’s why Midwest Values PAC is giving James Talarico our full support. But we can only support him to the extent that you (or supporters like you) support us. 

Al

P.S. Senate Republicans are furious about Trump’s endorsement because they’re scared it will cost them this seat. Susan Collins reportedly called Ken Paxton “ethically challenged,” which may be the most polite possible way to describe a man who’s collected scandals as if they were frequent flyer miles.

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Somehow, it’s been 20 years since I started Midwest Values PAC to help Democrats win elections — from progressive organizations to state legislatures to Congress to the White House — who share the values I grew up with in St. Louis Park, Minnesota.

Since 2006, Midwest Values PAC has invested more than $4 million in 341 candidates and organizations — and counting. 

Of course, none of this happens without you (or supporters like you) who care enough to pitch in.

As we mark our 20th anniversary, the work is more urgent than ever. This year, we have a big job: flip the House, take the Senate, and win up and down the ballot at the state and local level.

To mark our 20th year, we’ve set an ambitious goal: 26,000 contributions by Election Day 2026.

DONATE HERE

Thanks for being part of this fight, and for sticking with us for 20 years (or for just joining — welcome!).

Al

P.S. Over the years, okay, decades, we’ve helped Democrats win tough races all across the country by investing early, intelligently, and strategically. That’s how you flip seats. That’s how you protect democracy. And that’s how you stop the worst impulses of a president who never should have been president in the first place.

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