Maddow spotlights Lindell, Marx, French and Paxton in 2026 midterm candidate roundup
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Why this grade: B+: Most claims verified by primary reporting and records, including Lindell's voter status, Marx's statements, French's posts and Paxton's properties; minor issues include unverified czar link and name spelling (Bo not Beau).
Why this lean: Focuses exclusively on negative framing of Republican candidates as 'weird' or scandal-plagued with loaded descriptors like 'crazy sauce' and no counterbalancing details or Democratic equivalents.
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Summary
The segment reviews several Republican candidates in the 2026 midterms, centering on Mike Lindell in Minnesota, Victor Marx in Colorado, Bo French in Texas, and Ken Paxton in Texas. It highlights their backgrounds, controversies, and unusual claims 99 days before the elections. Maddow draws from public records, court outcomes, social media posts, and news reports. She promotes an upcoming MS NOW event in Texas and an upcoming interview with Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico.
Editorial Assessment
Claims largely hold up against contemporaneous reporting from outlets like the New York Times, Texas Tribune, and local coverage. The segment provides accurate sourcing for voter registration issues, property ownership, and candidate statements but omits candidate defenses, context on primary viability, or equivalent scrutiny of other races. Framing emphasizes sensational elements without exploring policy positions or electoral context. Viewers miss the broader field of candidates and any rebuttals from the profiled individuals.
Key Moments
Mike Lindell is not registered to vote in Minnesota
Confirmed by New York Times reporting on his gubernatorial candidacy.
Victor Marx claims he killed a person at age 7 and performs phone exorcisms
Directly matches his public statements reported in LA Times and other coverage of his Colorado GOP primary win.
Bo French posted poll asking if Jews or Muslims are bigger threat to America
Widely reported; led to his resignation as Tarrant County GOP chair.
Ken Paxton owns at least 15 properties worth millions on state salary
New York Times and financial disclosures confirm at least 15 properties valued around $9 million.
Paxton registered to vote at address where he does not live
Texas Tribune/ProPublica investigation and Democratic complaints detail the discrepancy.
Notable Concerns
- Name misspelled as Beau instead of Bo French
Sources Consulted
- MyPillow Founder Not Registered to Vote in State He Wants to Lead
- Voodoo, exorcism and a killer at age 7. Meet Colorado's Republican nominee for governor
- GOP leaders shunned Bo French for racist posts. Now they want him to regulate Texas' oil and gas
- Ken Paxton's voter registration may violate Texas election law
- Paxton Expands Real Estate Portfolio Amid Senate Run
- Texas GOP candidate Bo French called for deporting Native Americans