Senate Republicans Boost Campaign Funding in Texas
Senate Republicans are directing millions of dollars to Texas to maintain their grip on a key Senate seat as midterm elections approach. The Senate Leadership Fund, associated with Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., plans to launch the Texas PAC. This will provide significant funds to assist Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in his November race.
Paxton faces a tight contest against Texas State Rep. James Talarico, whom Republicans deem too progressive for conservative Texas. Thune stated, “The Democrat Party is shifting left, and candidates like James Talarico are becoming common.” He emphasized the Republican unity in preventing Talarico’s Senate entry.
During the convention’s final day, Thune attended a fundraiser for Paxton, aiming to bolster his campaign. The PAC will begin with an eight-figure ad purchase the day after the Republican National Committee’s midterm convention in Dallas. Ads will run continuously until Election Day, highlighting Paxton’s positives and contrasting the candidates.
The convention sought to energize Trump supporters nationwide, with a strong focus on the Texas Senate race. Financial backing for Paxton signifies a shift in Senate Republican leadership, previously supporting Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas. Trump’s endorsement of Paxton over Cornyn concluded Cornyn’s campaign, leading to reconciliation efforts after their runoff.
Now, Republicans are united in supporting Paxton financially to counter Talarico. The latest polls show Talarico slightly ahead with a 51%-48% margin. This race is among several that will define the GOP’s Senate majority in the midterms.
The Texas PAC launch follows MAGA Inc.’s $10 million ad investment for Paxton, evidencing further support. Talarico’s campaign enjoys a significant financial advantage, raising over $72 million since the campaign’s inception, whereas Paxton’s campaign accumulated around $17 million, per federal filings.
Paxton explained to Bret Baier the fundraising gap due to a protracted primary battle extending into May, giving Talarico extra months to raise funds without expenditure. Talarico has been promoting ads that portray him as a moderate Democrat rather than a radical socialist.
He noted, “Talarico had three extra months to raise money and not spend it. So he was able to start spending on ads that tried to pivot him from a radical socialist to a moderate Democrat.” Paxton recently began his ad campaign, underscoring differences between a socialist and a constitutional Republican. Paxton expressed confidence, stating this contrast will lead to his victory.