Former President George W. Bush is actively involved in fundraising for Republicans. However, he is not supporting the campaign of Ken Paxton, who defeated Bush’s nephew, George P. Bush, in the 2022 Republican primary for Texas attorney general.
Sen. John Cornyn, a Republican from Texas, organized a fundraising event on Monday for Maintain the Majority, a PAC with Bush as a ‘special guest.’ According to The New York Times, Ken Paxton, the GOP Senate candidate and current Texas AG, who overcame Cornyn in this year’s primary, was not included.
Maintain the Majority is a political action committee (PAC) that lists several Republican figures including Cornyn, Sens. Dan Sullivan from Alaska, Jon Husted from Ohio, Susan Collins from Maine, Michigan Sen.-nominee Mike Rogers, New Hampshire Sen.-nominee John E. Sununu, and Iowa Sen.-nominee Ashley Hinson as fund participants. The Times noted that Minnesota Republican Sen.-nominee Michele Tafoya joined the event late.
Absent from the PAC’s list are Paxton and other Senate candidates closely connected to Trump’s political sphere, such as Mike Collins and Michael Whatley from North Carolina.
Republican Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton boasts the support of President Donald Trump and his substantial midterm fundraising resources. According to the New York Times, Bush and ousted Sen. Cornyn are not assisting Paxton’s fundraising efforts.
Bush and Cornyn have had a complex relationship with Trump and his preferred candidates, including Paxton. Karl Rove, a former advisor to Bush, has stated he would vote for a Texas Democrat.
Early voting in Texas begins on Monday, October 19, 2026 (28 days from September 21). It continues until Friday, October 30, with the midterms (Election Day) scheduled for Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
Despite Paxton missing out on PAC funds, Trump’s campaign at MAGA Inc., supervised by former White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, has over $415 million on hand as per recent FEC filings.
The latest Fox News Power Rankings show Michigan, Iowa, Texas, Ohio, Maine, and Alaska as close races for Republicans aiming to maintain their narrow 53-47 Senate edge. Democrats are targeting seats held by Collins, Husted, Sullivan, Hinson, Whatley, and Paxton. Republicans seek gains in Michigan, New Hampshire, and Georgia.
Republican National Committee Chair Joe Gruters is optimistic about retaining Texas’ Senate seat. He emphasized Paxton’s past successes and affirmed his position in Texas’ political landscape, underscoring its Republican leanings.
Even as California liberals are migrating to Texas, Gruters forecasts Paxton’s campaign will withstand Democratic challenges, particularly from James Talarico. He expressed confidence in Paxton’s victory.
Eric Mack covers breaking news with a focus on politics and government, working from Sunday to Thursday, 6 a.m. ET to 2 p.m. ET.