At the Republican midterm convention in Dallas, President Trump turned his attention to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, delivering a teasing remark before delivering a full endorsement. Trump told the cheering crowd, “I don’t really like the way he looks, but he was our greatest attorney general and he deserves to go to the United States Senate.”
Paxton, who is locked in a tight race against Democratic nominee James Talarico, responded with a grin and a request for prayers, votes and support. The moment underscored the high stakes of a race that could determine whether Texas sends another Republican to the Senate or, for the first time since 1988, a Democrat.
Fundraising surge
Following the convention, the financial tide began to turn for Paxton. MAGA Inc., President Trump’s super PAC, announced a $10 million contribution. America PAC, linked to Elon Musk, added $250,000, and the Senate Leadership Fund pledged $13.8 million. In total, more than $24 million from independent groups have been directed toward Paxton’s campaign, a crucial boost given his campaign’s $9 million cash on hand compared with Talarico’s $68 million.
While the primary runoff saw Paxton defeat four‑term incumbent Sen. John Cornyn, the victory was not without controversy. Republican leaders such as Sen. John Thune warned that Paxton’s ethical and legal history would require an additional $100 million to secure a win in a state that leans heavily Republican.
Trump’s endorsement as a political test
The President’s endorsement of Paxton is a litmus test for Trump’s influence over the GOP. If Paxton wins, it will be hailed as proof of Trump’s political instincts and his ability to shape the party’s future. If he loses, critics could argue that Trump’s support came too late to make a difference.
Paxton framed his campaign as a fight against what he described as a hostile press, courts and establishment, echoing Trump’s own narrative of political persecution. “He’s delivered more for this country than anyone before,” Paxton told the convention audience, citing his record of challenging President Joe Biden’s policies in court.
Legal backdrop
Paxton’s career has been marked by investigations. He was impeached by the Republican‑controlled Texas House but acquitted by the Senate, and a federal corruption case was dropped without charges. A state securities‑fraud probe was settled, and Paxton continues to deny any wrongdoing.
Despite these challenges, Republican Senate leaders have rallied behind the campaign. Sen. John Kennedy of Louisiana told Fox News that “money is an issue” and that the party needs the President’s help to keep the seat in Republican hands.
What’s at stake
The outcome of the Texas Senate race will have national implications. A Democratic win would break a decades‑long Republican hold on the seat and could shift the balance of power in the Senate. For the Trump administration, a Paxton victory would reinforce the President’s role as a kingmaker within the party.
As the campaign heads into the final two months before the November election, both sides are intensifying their outreach. While Paxton leans heavily on Trump’s fundraising network, Talarico’s campaign continues to outspend the Republican candidate, highlighting the stark financial disparity that still exists despite the recent influx of super‑PAC money.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
