Texas Senate voters are hearing mostly Democratic ads as the race between incumbent Republican Sen. John Cornyn and Attorney General Ken Paxton heads toward a November showdown. After a bruising primary that saw Paxton defeat Cornyn, the GOP’s national and state leaders have warned President Trump that a victory for Paxton would require a substantial cash infusion from the Trump campaign operation.
Trump’s MAGA Inc. remains on the sidelines
Senate GOP leaders told President Trump before the May primary that if Paxton won the nomination, the Trump political operation would need to bankroll the costly general‑election campaign. More than three months later, MAGA Inc.’s war chest – reported to be over $400 million – has not yet been tapped for Texas.
“They keep saying they’ll spend, but they haven’t,” said a senior GOP source familiar with the discussions. The source added that the lack of spending has allowed Democrat James Talarico, a state representative, to dominate the airwaves.
Talarico outspends Republicans by a landslide
According to AdImpact data, Democrats have outspent Republicans on TV advertising in the race by roughly $31.5 million to $4.7 million since June. Talarico’s campaign has poured about $31.3 million into TV spots, running ads that introduce the first‑time statewide candidate and stress cost‑of‑living concerns. The campaign also launched a negative ad attacking Paxton over past corruption allegations.
By contrast, Paxton’s campaign has spent just over $150,000 on advertising since June, a fraction of his opponent’s budget. Paxton told Newsmax earlier this month, “We’re a little behind on TV.”
Outside groups begin to rally for Paxton
In recent days, several outside groups have entered the fray to support Paxton. The pro‑Paxton super PAC Lone Star Liberty PAC, Truth and Courage PAC (aligned with Sen. Ted Cruz), and other entities have begun airing attack ads against Talarico, focusing on his opposition to a 2025 bill that bans Texas land sales to certain Chinese entities and other perceived national‑security threats.
One ad from Truth and Courage PAC warns, “Communist China is buying up Texas because Talarico sold us out.” Talarico’s team countered that Paxton himself is too close to China, citing a 2019 trip the attorney general took with other state officials.
Potential Trump involvement
President Trump is scheduled to headline a fundraiser in Houston, describing the event as an effort to help Paxton. The fundraiser will benefit the Republican National Committee, not Paxton’s campaign directly. A recent Supreme Court decision has given groups like the RNC new authority to coordinate spending with campaigns, a development Republicans hope will benefit candidates who are financially behind.
Sen. Tim Scott, chair of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, said the party’s strategy in Texas is “strong” and that they expect Trump’s organization to become “fully engaged” as the campaign nears its final weeks.
What Texas Republicans are watching
Party insiders say the lack of a coordinated TV blitz has frustrated GOP operatives who feared a Cornyn victory would be cheaper than a Paxton win. They also note that many “non‑MAGA Republicans” remain hesitant to back Paxton, fearing he may be a weaker general‑election candidate.
Strategists predict that as more attack ads air, Talarico’s polling lead could narrow, especially among independents and moderate Republicans who currently view him favorably.
The race remains a focal point for the Trump administration’s broader effort to secure Senate control, and the coming weeks will likely determine whether MAGA Inc. finally releases funds to back Paxton’s campaign.
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
