Top Senate Republicans are investing heavily in Texas to ensure the GOP retains its seat in the upcoming midterm elections. The Senate Leadership Fund, a super PAC associated with Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., has plans to launch the Texas PAC. This initiative aims to secure funds to support Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s campaign victory in November.
Paxton is facing a challenging race against Texas State Rep. James Talarico. Republicans view Talarico as too progressive for Texas, a traditionally strong Republican state.
“As the Democrat Party shifts further left, extreme candidates like James Talarico have become common,” Thune stated. “Republicans are united in keeping him out of the U.S. Senate. I commend the Senate Leadership Fund’s efforts to maintain Texas as a Republican stronghold.”
A source revealed to Fox News Digital that Thune attended a fundraiser for Paxton during the convention’s final day. This event aimed to bolster Paxton’s campaign financially.
The Texas PAC plans to launch an initial eight-figure ad campaign following the Republican National Committee’s midterm convention, set to end in Dallas. Continuous advertisements will run in Texas through Election Day. The first two ads will portray Paxton positively, while another will highlight the differences between the candidates.
The convention has been pivotal in motivating President Donald Trump’s base to vote in tight races nationwide, with particular focus on the Texas Senate race. This shift marks a significant change for Senate Republican leadership. Earlier in the year, they supported Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas. However, Trump’s endorsement of Paxton over Cornyn affected Cornyn’s chances, necessitating reconciliation post-runoff.
The Republicans are now united, working to support Paxton financially as he seeks to counter Talarico. Surveys suggest Talarico holds a slight lead over Paxton, with the most recent Fox News poll showing a 51%-48% margin favoring Talarico.
This race is among several that will decide the GOP’s control over the Senate in the midterms. The Texas PAC’s launch follows MAGA Inc.’s significant midterm investment, backing Paxton with $10 million in ad spending.
Democratic candidate James Talarico is campaigning intensively across Texas. His campaign has a substantial cash advantage, having raised over $72 million compared to Paxton’s $17 million. This information comes from federal filings detailing their fundraising activities.
Paxton described a “three-month fundraising gap” against Talarico due to the extended primary battle. Talarico utilized these months to raise funds without spending them, enabling him to start concentrating on ad campaigns.
Talarico has been running ads for about two months. Paxton’s ads are only starting as he raises funds to highlight the contrasts between Talarico’s perceived socialism and Paxton’s constitutional Republican stance.