Key facts
- Republicans are calling on Donald Trump to use his campaign funds to support Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton's Senate bid.
- Paxton, who received Trump's endorsement, faces a significant fundraising disadvantage against Democratic opponent James Talarico.
- Talarico has raised $40 million, while Paxton has raised $7.6 million.
- The race in Texas, a state Trump won by nearly 14 points in 2024, has been reclassified as 'lean Republican'.
- A recent poll indicates the race between Paxton and Talarico is tied.
Republicans are expressing concern over the financial disparity in the Texas Senate race, urging President Donald Trump to deploy his substantial campaign funds to support his endorsed ally, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. Paxton secured the Republican nomination with Trump's backing but faces a formidable fundraising challenge from Democratic state Representative James Talarico.
Talarico's campaign reported raising $40 million through March, with $9.9 million cash on hand. In contrast, Paxton had raised only $7.6 million through May 6 and had $2.3 million in the bank. Paxton has been indicted for felony fraud and was impeached by the Texas House, though he denies any wrongdoing.
The race is in Texas, a state Trump won by nearly 14 points in 2024, but political forecasters have now shifted the contest from 'likely Republican' to 'lean Republican' due to the competitive nature of the race. Senator Cynthia Lummis, a retiring Republican, stated that Trump's financial assistance would be beneficial. The Republican establishment has already spent tens of millions supporting Senator John Cornyn, who was considered a more secure candidate.
An internal memo from Senate Republicans' campaign arm warned last August that a Paxton nomination would make Texas competitive for Democrats and force Republicans to divert significant funds from other key battlegrounds. A recent poll by Texas Pulse shows the race tied. Trump's super PAC, MAGA Inc., holds a war chest of $356 million but has not yet committed any funds to Paxton's campaign.