President Trump’s Campaign Contribution Boosts Texas Senate Candidate Ken Paxton

President Trump has made a significant campaign contribution to Texas Senate candidate Ken Paxton. From his MAGA Inc. super PAC, Trump is donating $10 million to support Paxton amid a competitive race against Democrat James Talarico. The funds are allocated for $5 million in negative ads targeting Talarico and $5 million in positive ads endorsing Paxton, according to a Federal Election Commission filing. Both donations are directed to Del Ray Media Inc. for television and digital advertising.

MAGA Inc. currently maintains a fund of $400 million and had not previously provided a substantial donation this midterm cycle. Securing American Greatness, linked to Trump’s super PAC, has launched its first nationwide ad focusing on the president rather than local candidates, leading to concerns that the funds might prioritize Trump’s interests even though he is not on the ballot.

Ken Paxton, currently serving as Texas Attorney General, appears beside President Trump at various rallies, including the ‘Save America’ rally held on October 22, 2022, in Robstown, Texas. Despite facing regular criticism during his tenure, Paxton remains popular among Republicans, holding a 61% approval rating as per polling by The Texas Politics Project at the University of Texas at Austin.

Paxton survived an impeachment trial in 2023 over accusations of bribery, dereliction of duty, and disregard for official duties. Revelations of an affair during the trial led Paxton’s wife, a state senator, to file for divorce. Despite these challenges, Paxton’s approval remains strong among Republicans.

Meanwhile, Democratic candidate James Talarico is closely contesting Paxton, despite Texas not electing a Democratic senator for 33 years. Talarico has faced increasing criticism from President Trump, who recently coined the nickname ‘Tala-freako’ for him, calling Talarico one of the worst candidates he’s encountered. In response, Talarico has embraced the nickname by selling T-shirts with it.

The only prior major contribution from MAGA Inc. this cycle was an $827,000 donation to Sen. Darline Graham’s campaign in South Carolina. Graham is battling to secure a full term following her brother, Lindsey Graham’s, death in July. Trump urged supporters at a rally for Graham to pretend he’s on the ballot, emphasizing the importance of voting for Republican candidates.