What did Ken Paxton say about Social Security?

Ken Paxton stated that he would not vote to cut Social Security benefits if elected to the U.S.

What is the projected financial status of Social Security by 2032?

By 2032, Social Security is projected to face a shortfall in its ability to pay 100% of promised benefits.

Paxton Pledges Not to Cut Social Security Benefits

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, a Republican candidate for U.S. Senate, stated he would oppose cuts to Social Security, responding to a leaked audio recording.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, a Republican candidate for U.S.

2026-10-13 · Updated 2026-10-13

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has stated that if elected to the U.S. Senate, he would not vote to cut Social Security benefits. This declaration comes after a leaked recording, published by The Texas Tribune, where Paxton discussed the necessity of cutting mandatory spending to address the federal budget deficit.

Paxton has repeatedly affirmed his commitment to protecting Social Security, emphasizing that recipients have earned their benefits. He also noted the need to manage federal spending to avoid accumulating debt. In Texas, nearly 5 million residents receive Social Security benefits, with an additional 600,000 low-income individuals receiving supplemental security income.

The leaked audio featured Paxton suggesting that cuts to mandatory federal spending were unavoidable, a statement he later characterized as taken out of context by what he called "fake news." He accused his Democratic opponent, state Rep. James Talarico, of proposing tax increases, while Talarico advocates for raising taxes on the wealthy to save Social Security and reduce the deficit.

Separately, Social Security Commissioner Martin O'Malley under President Joe Biden expressed concerns about the program's future solvency. He attributed some of the challenges to staffing reductions at the Social Security Administration, which he described as reaching a 63-year low. O'Malley warned that by 2032, the program will face a shortfall in its ability to pay 100% of promised benefits, though he clarified this does not mean the program will be entirely bankrupt.

FAQ

What did Ken Paxton say about Social Security?: Ken Paxton stated that he would not vote to cut Social Security benefits if elected to the U.S.
What is the projected financial status of Social Security by 2032?: By 2032, Social Security is projected to face a shortfall in its ability to pay 100% of promised benefits.