Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton is receiving a $10 million advertising boost from former President Donald Trump’s super PAC, MAGA INC., as he faces a competitive U.S. Senate race against Democratic candidate James Talarico in Texas. The funding infusion comes as recent polling shows Talarico leading Paxton by 3 percentage points, according to the University of Texas Politics Project.
Trump will headline a Republican convention in Dallas this week, aiming to energize the GOP base and shore up funding for Paxton’s campaign and other vulnerable Texas seats. Political analysts describe the event as both a rally and a rescue mission, given the competitive nature of Paxton’s race and the broader challenges facing Republicans in the midterms.
Democratic activists in Dallas expressed mixed sentiments at a Labor Day rally, with some expressing confidence in Talarico’s prospects while others voiced concerns about intraparty divisions. Ellen, a retired nurse and Democratic activist, criticized Paxton’s record, stating, “I don’t think Texans are going to vote for a criminal, cheat, adulterer, Ken Paxton.” She added that Paxton’s past statewide victories were part of the problem. Other attendees, including Joanna and Ruth, expressed optimism about Talarico’s chances, though some noted lingering concerns about support from Black voters and the primary opponent Rep. Jasmine Crockett, who has not endorsed Talarico.
Paxton’s campaign has struggled with fundraising compared to Talarico, but the Trump-backed ad spending could shift the dynamics. Trump’s involvement follows polling that shows Paxton trailing, with the former president’s endorsement and financial backing seen as critical to closing the gap. Political science professor Brandon Rottinghaus at the University of Houston noted that midterms are typically difficult for the sitting president’s party, and the convention in Texas reflects an effort to reverse that trend.
Talarico has outraised Paxton significantly in recent months, but the influx of Trump-backed funds could help Paxton regain ground. The race is now viewed as a key battleground in the broader fight for control of the U.S. Senate, with both parties investing heavily in Texas to secure a competitive edge.