During an appearance on NewsNation’s “The Hill Sunday,” former Senator Joe Manchin (I-W.Va.) offered a sharp critique of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. When asked about the political landscape in Texas, Manchin stated that if “character means anything,” voters should not support Paxton. Manchin’s comments were delivered in the context of a broader discussion regarding upcoming political races and the qualities he believes are necessary for public office.

While Manchin was direct in his assessment of Paxton, the interview also touched upon other political figures in Texas. Manchin noted that he was unfamiliar with Texas Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico, though he expressed some discouragement regarding certain statements Talarico has made. The segment highlighted Manchin’s ongoing role as a commentator on national politics following his departure from the Senate, where he often positioned himself as a centrist voice willing to cross party lines to criticize or support specific candidates based on his personal assessment of their integrity.