Controversy Surrounds Social Security Privatization Endorsement in Paxton Campaign
In a recent social media exchange, a member of Ken Paxton’s U.S. Senate campaign team appeared to support the privatization of Social Security, a move that has sparked debate and criticism.
On August 17, Ron Rule, a Republican candidate for the New Hampshire legislature, expressed regret on X for not adopting President George W. Bush’s privatization plan for Social Security. This sentiment was amplified when Madison Cercy, deputy director of communications for Paxton’s campaign, shared Rule’s post.
Cercy’s repost did not include a disclaimer, a common practice among campaign staff to separate personal views from those of the candidate. The absence of such a disclaimer led to speculations about Paxton’s stance, prompting Cercy to remove the post following critiques from political commentator Aaron Rupar and the Texas Democratic Party.
In 2005, Bush’s proposal aimed to allow younger workers to allocate part of their payroll taxes into private investment accounts, a concept met with bipartisan resistance due to concerns about potential reductions in retiree funds and increased Social Security trust fund reliance. Critics also noted the risk of financial losses, as could have happened during the 2008 financial crisis, had the plan been implemented.
The Paxton campaign assured the Houston Chronicle that Paxton is dedicated to safeguarding Social Security but did not outline a specific strategy. Instead, the campaign highlighted tax reductions in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBB), which primarily benefits the wealthy.
Ryan Martin, spokesperson for the Texas Democratic Party, emphasized the need for transparency, stating, “Texans worked hard and paid into this system for their whole lives, and they deserve transparency on who Ken Paxton is letting gamble with their earned benefits.”
Democratic opponent State Rep. James Talarico proposed a concrete plan to fortify Social Security by increasing the tax cap for individuals making over $400,000 annually.
Public opinion on privatizing Social Security remains largely unfavorable, with a 2025 Data for Progress survey showing that only 20% of voters support the idea.
The post Paxton aide appears to back Social Security privatization appeared first on American Journal News.
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