Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton (R) said President Donald Trump’s unpopular war of choice in Iran and higher fuel prices have been a damper on his U.S. Senate bid when asked what issues are “dragging” his campaign at a private event last month, according to leaked audio obtained and shared by Axios on Wednesday.

“It’s not tariffs...,” began Paxton before pointing to the conflict in the Middle East along with gas and diesel prices in remarks to donors and lobbyists.

He went on, “When it’s over $6 per gallon for diesel... people are feeling the pinch. So that’s probably the biggest problem and that push drives up food prices and everything else.”

He concluded by arguing that affordability was “by far” the campaign’s “biggest problem,” adding, “and I think that’s why we’re having a hard time with numbers.”

The clip is now the third to hit the media circuit from a private fundraiser in the nation’s capital, where, according to audio published by The New York Times and Politico, the Republican nominee spilled how factors beyond the Lone Star state are playing a role in his campaign.

Paxton told the group of conservatives that the president’s midterm convention in Dallas was a “drag” on support for his Senate bid, per the Times’ recording.

The Texas attorney general — who is trailing his Democratic opponent, Texas state Rep. James Talarcio, in several recent polls — also admitted to attendees that his campaign was “all coming from D.C.,” the Politico clip revealed.

Paxton — when asked by an attendee how he responds to affordability issues — pointed to his economic plan, which looks to create new tax write-offs for housing, healthcare and family-related expenses, the Texas Tribune reported in July.

He also noted that he hopes to double the size of the child tax credit.

“I’m just trying to figure out ways that I can help people; that’s the only way I can propose legislation,” he said.

“You can’t stop the war,” the attendee interjected.

“Right, I have no control over gas prices. Some of the factors in this federal race are uncontrollable. I don’t make the decisions,” he said.

“This is a non-story,” a spokesperson for the Paxton campaign said in a statement to Axios. “The Attorney General said what every Texan already knows: gas and diesel prices are too high, and hardworking Texans are struggling at the pump and at the grocery store.”

The statement continued, “President Trump is doing everything he can to bring prices down, and Ken Paxton is going to Washington to help him by putting money back in families’ pockets.”

By entering your email and clicking Sign Up, you're agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.