Ken Paxton has gained a significant financial boost from President Donald Trump’s main political action committee, receiving an additional $5 million injection. Yet, the Texas attorney general faces challenges in narrowing the gap with his opponent, James Talarico. A recent filing with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) showed that MAGA Inc., a key pro-Trump political action committee, contributed this substantial sum to Paxton’s campaign.
Growing Financial Support for Paxton
This recent contribution demonstrates ongoing support for Paxton, who has seen backing from several GOP-affiliated groups amidst a tight race expected in November. Reports from NPR indicate that over $94 million has been spent on pro-Paxton ads in September alone. Newsweek reached out to Paxton’s campaign for comments but has yet to receive a response.
Paxton’s Endorsements and Financial Backing
Before securing the GOP nomination, prominent Republican figures and key national groups expressed concerns about Paxton’s candidacy, favoring his opponent in the primary, incumbent Senator John Cornyn. The National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC), the GOP’s Senate campaign arm, supported Cornyn, with Senate Majority Leader John Thune endorsing him as a “principled conservative.” Thune later emphasized the necessity of supporting Paxton to maintain the Republican stronghold in Texas.
Paxton emerged victorious in the May primary, aided by Trump’s endorsement, and continues to receive considerable financial support from the GOP’s national fundraising infrastructure. Prior to the latest contribution from MAGA Inc., FEC records revealed that Trump’s campaign funding body allocated $10 million to Paxton’s campaign, primarily used by the Virginia-based political communications firm Del Ray Media for advertising efforts.
Additionally, America PAC, established by Elon Musk, contributed over $2 million to Paxton’s campaign, while The Hill reported a $54 million contribution from a group associated with the Senate Leadership Fund (SLF). “The Republican Party is united to elect Ken Paxton and keep Texas red in November,” said SLF Executive Director Alex Latcham. He confirmed that the SLF’s investment through Texas PAC reaffirms their dedication to preserving the Republican majority.
The Current State of the Race
This financial influx has shifted the fiscal dynamics of the Texas Senate race, allowing Paxton to surpass his competitor in fundraising, despite Talarico’s initial lead. According to FEC records, Talarico concluded June with $21.5 million in cash, based on close to $69 million in total receipts and approximately $47 million in expenditures. In contrast, Paxton held only $1.8 million at the same period.
Despite the financial advantage, Paxton has not translated this into voter support. Talarico maintains a lead across all major polls roughly six weeks before the midterms. His lead ranges from a significant advantage to a closer contest projected for November 3. Notably, Paxton has not led a poll since an August 9-10 survey by Emerson College, where he had a narrow 1-point lead. An August 21-24 poll by Overton Insights depicted a tie.
More recent surveys, such as one conducted from September 8 to 11, showed Talarico with a 6-point lead, a result deemed outside the margin of error by ReconMR/Texas Pulse pollsters. Another poll from August 18-22 by Texas Southern University highlighted Talarico’s significant lead in several districts previously won by President Trump in 2024.
When questioned about these polls on Fox News, Paxton expressed skepticism, hinting at his campaign’s internal polls showing different results, but acknowledged the race remains close.