In a major boost for Texas Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton’s campaign for the U.S. Senate, two high‑profile allies of President Trump have announced substantial financial contributions. MAGA Inc., the super PAC closely tied to President Trump, disclosed a $10 million ad buy to promote Paxton and criticize Democratic state Rep. James Talarico on tax issues. At the same time, tech billionaire Elon Musk’s America PAC has spent more than $1.6 million supporting Paxton.
Why the funding matters
Texas’s sprawling media markets make Senate races exceptionally costly, and Paxton’s campaign has trailed Talarico in fundraising despite a late endorsement from President Trump that helped him defeat longtime Sen. John Cornyn in the May GOP runoff. The new injections of money are intended to narrow that gap as Republicans gear up for the midterm convention in Dallas, where party leaders hope to rally the Trump base for the November election.
Statements from the campaign and allies
“MAGA Inc. is going to ensure Texas knows about Talarico’s radical policies and elects Ken Paxton to the U.S. Senate,” said Alex Pfeiffer, spokesperson for MAGA Inc. The ads will highlight Paxton’s record on cutting taxes, a cornerstone of the Republican economic agenda.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune, speaking on Fox News, emphasized the strategic importance of the race: “All of our allies out there, including the president and his team and their resources, need to be brought to bear on Texas because it’s not one that we can lose if we’re going to hang on to a Republican majority.”
Response from the Democratic challenger
Talarico’s campaign pushed back, with spokesman JT Ennis accusing the billionaire‑backed groups of spreading falsehoods: “Billionaire‑backed dark money groups are lying about James Talarico because they’re scared of the people‑powered movement we’re building.”
Implications for the upcoming convention
Both candidates will be active in North Texas this week. Paxton is slated to speak at the GOP convention in Dallas, while Talarico has organized events to counter the gathering. The influx of funds underscores the high stakes for the party as it seeks to maintain its majority in the Senate.
Background on the candidates
Ken Paxton, the state’s attorney general, has positioned himself as a staunch defender of conservative values, championing limited government and lower taxes. James Talarico, a Democratic state representative, has focused on education funding and progressive tax reforms. The race reflects a broader national contest between the Trump‑aligned wing of the GOP and Democratic challengers seeking to shift policy direction.
With the Dallas convention just days away, the newly funded advertising blitz aims to shape voter perceptions before the November ballot, reinforcing the Trump administration’s commitment to supporting Republican candidates who share its vision for a strong, prosperous America.
Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.
