DALLAS — Donald Trump is set to host a pricey fundraiser for Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton at the former president’s New Jersey golf course.
The fundraiser will take place Sept. 1 at Trump’s National Golf Club in Bedminster, New Jersey, and will also feature Fox News commentators, according to the event’s invitation.
“Attorney General Paxton is grateful for President Trump’s support and is deeply honored the President has agreed to host this event,” Paxton spokeswoman Kimberly Hubbard said.
Tickets for the fundraising dinner range from $1,000 to $50,000. Included in the base ticket price is a dinner reception and an after party with unnamed Fox News commentators. Guests willing to shell out $50,000 will get a picture with Trump and ride on a private jet from Dallas to the New Jersey golf club, according to the invitation.
The fundraiser comes as recent polls show Paxton, who is seeking a third term as the state’s top lawyer, could be vulnerable in November.
The incumbent is 2 points ahead of Democratic challenger Rochelle Garza, the tightest margin of any statewide race, a recent Dallas Morning News/UT-Tyler poll found. Of the poll’s respondents, 34% said they planned to vote for Paxton, and 32% plan to vote for Garza.
Garza, a political newcomer, outraised Paxton in recent months, though the incumbent has more cash on hand. Paxton had $3.5 million on hand, ahead of Garza’s $450,000.
Trump endorsed Paxton’s bid for reelection in July 2021. The two have long been political allies, and Paxton supported Trump’s efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 election. Paxton filed a failed lawsuit asking the Supreme Court to invalidate election results in four states.
Paxton beat out primary challenger George P. Bush in May, despite a history of legal trouble and scandals. The attorney general was indicted for securities fraud in 2015, and has yet to face trial. He is also being investigated by the FBI for allegations he exchanged state secrets for favors from a campaign donor.
The former president has helped Paxton fundraise before, hosting an event for the AG at Mar-A-Lago in September 2021.
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