![\"Several](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/thedailybeast.com\/cf1f3d4ffe2da0a12eb766f0a8af06b8.jpeg\"\/)
<\/p>\nMAGA Senate candidate Ken Paxton has taken a page out of President Donald Trump’s campaign playbook.<\/p>\n
The Texas attorney general has been busted inflating his crowd size at his rally, claiming his attendance was hundreds over the venue’s legal max capacity of 414.<\/p>\n
Paxton spoke Tuesday at the University Draft House in McAllen, Texas, to a crowd donning MAGA hats and red Paxton stickers. He posted after the event: “763 people in McAllen, TX last night!”<\/p>\n
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Several empty seats were visible in photos posted by Ken Paxton’s campaign. \/ Paxton War Room on X<\/p>\n
However, photos and videos shared by his campaign did not align with that boast, as several empty seats and ample standing room were visible.<\/p>\n
The venue<\/a>‘s website states that it offers five event spaces with a combined capacity of 414. Photos show Paxton’s campaign rented out at least the largest space, the patio, which only accommodates 150 guests.<\/p>\n Paxton’s campaign claimed that more than 700 people attended his McAllen rally. \/ Paxton War Room on X<\/p>\n Local news site MyRGV.com<\/a> reported that Paxton’s rally “drew a modest audience, topping off at 100 attendees.” The crowd was described as “predominantly older, with a few youthful exceptions.”<\/p>\n Texas Democrats immediately seized on the discrepancy.<\/p>\n The venue’s website states that its biggest event space holds only 150 people. \/ University Draft House<\/p>\n JT Ennis, a spokesman for Paxton’s Democratic opponent, James Talarico, cited the MyRGV report while taking a swipe at the opposing campaign.<\/p>\n “South Texas news outlet calls out Ken Paxton for lying about crowd size at his recent rally,” he wrote on X<\/a>.<\/p>\n James Talarico’s spokesperson pounced on Paxton’s odd claim. \/ JT Ennis on X<\/p>\n “Ken Paxton is the most corrupt politician in America and a pathological liar, and apparently that extends to describing his crowd size, too,” Texas Democratic Party spokesperson Ryan Martin said in a statement. “A very Low-T move by the Paxton campaign.”<\/p>\n Social media users also piled on Paxton, with one writing<\/a>, “Following in the Orange man’s footsteps in many ways, including lying about crowd size.”<\/p>\n “MAGA has always been bad at counting,” another<\/a> wrote. “The room holds 200.”<\/p>\n President Donald Trump endorsed Paxton over incumbent Sen. John Cornyn. \/ Evan Garcia \/ REUTERS<\/p>\n “PAXTON DOES MAGAT MATH JUST LIKE HIS ORANGE SAVIOR!” a third<\/a> said.<\/p>\n Paxton’s campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment.<\/p>\n Trump, himself known for his obsession with crowd sizes and inflating headcounts, shook the heated Texas Senate race when he endorsed Paxton over the incumbent Republican Sen. John Cornyn.<\/p>\n Trump has described Paxton as<\/p>\n “I know Ken well, have seen him tested at the highest and most difficult levels, and he is a WINNER!” the president wrote in a lengthy Truth Social post<\/a> in May. “Ken is a true MAGA Warrior who has ALWAYS delivered for Texas, and will continue to do so in the United States Senate.”<\/p>\n The endorsement swiftly set off panic within the Republican Party while igniting hope among Democrats.<\/p>\n Trump’s refusal to endorse Cornyn set off criticism and concern among Republicans. \/ Brandon Bell\/Getty Images<\/p>\n Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski, of Alaska, said she was “supremely disappointed” by Trump’s endorsement, which she said “puts that seat in jeopardy.”<\/p>\n Republican Sen. Susan Collins, of Maine, described Paxton as “an ethically challenged individual.”<\/p>\n The Texas Attorney General has battled a litany of controversies, from a messy divorce<\/a>, an alleged affair, and a federal securities fraud investigation that was closed down last year<\/a> after authorities declined to prosecute him.<\/p>\n![\"Paxton's](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/thedailybeast.com\/d87248f397fadea86e616b96fdcde7e2.jpeg\"\/)
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