National Republicans are pouring more than $40 million into Texas to rescue Trump ally Ken Paxton in a surprisingly tight Senate race.
Politico described the spending Friday as a “major infusion” for the “scandal-plagued candidate,” who recent polls have shown slightly trailing Democratic state Rep. James Talarico.
A new super PAC tied to Senate Republican leadership has reserved at least $32 million in airtime to support Paxton, according to Politico, citing data from AdImpact. President Donald Trump’s super PAC committed another $10 million to the MAGA attorney general’s race last week.
“The sudden cash shows that Republicans — who were once hesitant about Paxton’s bid and opposed him in the primary — have rallied behind him amidst signs that he could become the first Republican to lose a Senate race in the state in nearly four decades,” Politico reported Friday. “They plan to do whatever they can to hold onto the Senate majority this fall.”
Talarico still holds a major advantage in money controlled directly by the candidates. Federal Election Commission reports show the Democrat with $21.5 million on hand, compared to Paxton’s $1.8 million.
But Republicans have access to far more outside spending through Trump’s political operation and other super PACs, including Elon Musk’s America PAC, Politico noted Friday.
“The Republican Party is united to elect Ken Paxton and keep Texas red in November,” Senate Leadership Fund Executive Director Alex Latcham said.
Trump has pledged to keep campaigning for Paxton.
“We have to elect Ken Paxton,” Trump said during his convention in Dallas this week. “We have to. We have to elect him.”