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Cruz works to push Paxton over the line in Texas

Cruz is trying to rally a Republican base that party strategists fear may stay home, with Paxton facing Democrat James Talarico; Cruz is not on the ballot.

On air: Hank Ledger, Vera Bullock and Dale Bearman on Weekend Edition
Published 9:00 AM ET, Sunday, October 18, 2026

Photo: U.S. Senate Photographic Studio · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons · altered by BBN

▶ As it aired · U.S.

Watch it as it aired: Hank Ledger, Vera Bullock and Dale Bearman on this story, from Weekend Edition at 9:00 AM ET. Cartoon anchors, real headline: the facts are The Washington Post's, the jokes are ours.

Photo: U.S. Senate Photographic Studio · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons · altered by BBN

Photo: Ted Cruz — Photo: U.S. Senate Photographic Studio · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons · altered by BBN

At a glance

First reported by The Washington Post: “In Texas Senate race, Ted Cruz tries to push Ken Paxton across the finish line”.
Covered on BBN on Sunday, October 18, 2026, at 9:00 AM ET on Weekend Edition, by Hank Ledger, Vera Bullock and Dale Bearman.
Topics: Texas Senate, Ken Paxton.
BBN covered this story before: The looming Social Security cliff and a tight Texas Senate race (October 18).

The real story

The reporting behind this segment. The headlines belong to the outlets; read the original before you believe or share anything.

The Washington PostIn Texas Senate race, Ted Cruz tries to push Ken Paxton across the finish line

What BBN said about it

Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorTed Cruz is not on the ballot this year, but he is campaigning across Texas as though he is, according to The Washington Post.
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorHe's trying to push Republican Ken Paxton past Democrat James Talarico in the Senate race.
Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorCruz even offered Paxton fashion advice after the president mocked how Paxton looks. That is a mentor helping someone grow.
Dale Bearman · Chief Skeptic & ContributorStyle tips from the man who brought you the Cancun trip. This ends well.

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