Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton may be running for U.S. Senate in Texas, but on Tuesday night he was right at home in Las Vegas – surrounded by a room full of Nevada conservatives ready to listen, laugh, and dig deep for the cause.
The fundraiser took place at the beautiful Lakes home of Arthur and Carmen Maskala, co-hosted by the lovely Pauline Lee, President of the Nevada Republican Club, and George Harris, candidate for Nevada Senate District 8.
Guests grazed on Carmen’s homemade croissant sandwiches, artfully arranged charcuterie boards, and a dessert spread that disappeared fast.
I did my part for quality control and tried every flavor of macaron, six or seven in total – strictly for journalistic integrity.
A live piano player added a classy touch while Crystal, the smiling bartender, and an array of friendly staff kept everyone’s glasses filled and conversations flowing.
Center: Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton | Left & Right: Austin & Kristen Kniep, Nevada News & Views contributors
It was an easygoing night of politics, piano, and good company.
“I’m Not From Here, But I Feel Like Part of My Heart Was Here”
George Harris, who helped organize the event, warmed up the crowd with his trademark mix of humor and fire.
“We have to save America,” he told the room, “Give like you’re passing a kidney stone.”
When Ken Paxton took the mic, he made sure to connect personally with us Nevadans.
“I’m not from here, but I feel like part of my heart was here because I had the opportunity as a kid, we would come to Tahoe a lot. I never really came over the Nevada side. … But I started coming here about 10 years ago when my daughter was stationed [at the] Nellis Airforce base, and she and her now husband were both in Special Forces. … I kind of got to know Nevada a little bit. Red Rocks, is that where I used to hike? So anyway, I really enjoy it, and especially the people here, and how welcoming they have been to me.”
Paxton then turned to the fight ahead: his 11 years as Texas Attorney General, 100-plus lawsuits against the Biden administration, and why he’s challenging Sen. John Cornyn, who’s been in office, Paxton says, “since I was in college.”
He told the crowd that after thousands of campaign stops, “no one can name a single accomplishment” of Cornyn’s.
Paxton’s Mission
Paxton warned that America’s freedoms depend on the Constitution – and on election integrity.
“If we don’t have photo ID in every state, we’re going to lose elections based on fraud,” he said. “If we can’t protect our elections, every other issue doesn’t matter – because they’ll cheat.”
He also blasted federal overreach and corporate irresponsibility, a theme that hit home the very next morning when Paxton announced a new lawsuit against video-game giant Roblox.
BREAKING: Texas AG Ken Paxton announces that he is SUING the major video game company ROBLOX after children were “repeatedly exposed to sexually explicit content, exploitation, and grooming” on their platform.
PROTECT THE CHILDREN pic.twitter.com/PLsU2CrfoK
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) November 6, 2025
The suit accuses the company of allowing children to be “repeatedly exposed to sexually explicit content, exploitation, and grooming.”
“We cannot allow platforms like Roblox to continue operating as digital playgrounds for predators where the well-being of our kids is sacrificed on the altar of corporate greed,” Paxton said in his press release.
“Roblox must do more to protect kids from sick and twisted freaks hiding behind a screen.”
Nevada GOP Turns Out
The night drew a lineup of Nevada conservatives: Lt. Gov. Stavros Anthony, State GOP Chair Michael McDonald, and radio host Wayne Allyn Root, whom Paxton praised as “an American hero.”
McDonald rallied the room to stand behind fighters like Paxton and Harris, emphasizing unity heading into 2026.
Also spotted were candidates Erica Neely (Assembly District 9), Nan Roecker (Assembly District 12), Cody Whipple (Congress District 4) Tera Anderson (Congress District 3), and Adriana Guzmán Fralick (Attorney General).
Other notable Nevadans in attendance included Dave Gibbs (former Clark County GOP Chairman), Lia Roberts (Former Nevada Republican Party Chair and Former President of Nevada Federation of Republican Women), Craig Mueller, and John Laub.
Texas Meets Nevada
Paxton wrapped up by reminding everyone that the fight for freedom doesn’t stop at state lines.
“These Senate races and these congressional races affect all of us,” he said.
“I may not be in your lines of Nevada, but I’m in your heart.”
By the time the piano music faded and the last macaron disappeared (into my to-go box, generously provided by Mrs. Maskala), the Texas-Nevada connection was sealed.
Turns out, Texas and Nevada have a lot in common – big hearts, strong opinions, and zero patience for those not willing to fight for what’s right.
The opinions expressed by contributors are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Nevada News & Views. Digital technology was used in the research, writing, and production of this article. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
