Senate Republicans have launched a new political action committee backed by an eight-figure ad buy to support Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in his U.S. Senate bid against Democratic State Representative James Talarico, according to an announcement by the Senate Leadership Fund. According to Fox News, the newly formed Texas PAC aims to secure the Republican hold on the seat as the midterm elections approach.
Senate Leadership Fund Launches Texas PAC with Eight-Figure Ad Buy
The Senate Leadership Fund, a super PAC aligned with Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., unveiled the Texas PAC on Friday. According to Fox News, the group initiated an eight-figure ad buy on the same day, following the conclusion of the Republican Midterm Convention in Dallas. Thune stated to Fox News Digital that the PAC plans to run advertisements continuously through Election Day to ensure the seat remains in Republican hands.
The initial ad rollout features two spots painting Paxton in a positive light, followed by subsequent ads highlighting a contrast between the candidates by spotlighting Talarico’s past legislative votes and public statements. According to Fox News, Thune attended a fundraiser for Paxton on Thursday during the final day of the Dallas convention to help consolidate support for the nominee.
Party Alignment and Primary Shift Following Trump Endorsement
The substantial financial backing marks a pivot for Senate Republican leadership, who earlier in the election cycle supported incumbent Senator John Cornyn, R-Texas, according to Fox News reporting. President Donald Trump’s endorsement of Paxton over Cornyn ultimately ended Cornyn’s reelection bid, prompting a period of reconciliation within the party. Republicans are now presenting a unified front to support Paxton against Talarico.
This financial support follows a $10 million ad buy launched a week prior by MAGA Inc., a super PAC linked to President Donald Trump, according to Fox News. These coordinated expenditures aim to counter Talarico’s significant fundraising advantage. Federal filings cited by Fox News show that Talarico has raised over $72 million since launching his Senate campaign last year, while Paxton has hauled in approximately $17 million.
Polling and Midterm Stakes in Deep Red Texas
The Texas Senate race is one of roughly a dozen competitive contests nationwide that will determine control of the U.S. Recent public opinion surveys indicate a tight race. According to a Fox News poll conducted at the end of July, Talarico held a narrow single-digit edge, leading Paxton 51% to 48%.
Republicans have targeted Talarico as an increasingly progressive candidate in a traditionally conservative state. Senate seat.
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