Key facts
- Republicans are concerned about the rising cost of saving Ken Paxton's Texas Senate campaign.
- MAGA Inc. is expected to spend nearly $45 million on advertising in Texas by Oct. 12.
- The Senate Leadership Fund has spent $131 million in Texas.
- The race is projected to cost over $200 million from outside Republican groups.
- Paxton's campaign has made a $20 million ad buy.
- Democrats have started spending on their nominee, James Talarico, as the race tightens.
Republicans are increasingly worried about the significant financial commitment required to secure Ken Paxton's Senate seat in Texas, with concerns that the MAGA Inc. political group may not allocate sufficient funds in time. Senior Republican officials and strategists have privately urged Donald Trump's team to ramp up spending in the crucial Texas Senate race, fearing that the campaign could become a costly drain on GOP resources.
These anxieties have been amplified by leaked audio of Paxton criticizing Trump's midterm convention, raising questions about MAGA Inc.'s continued financial support. While MAGA Inc. and its affiliates are expected to spend approximately $45 million on advertising in Texas through October 12, the team is still evaluating further commitments. This spending is an increase from a previous $20 million allocation.
The race is already on track to surpass $200 million in outside spending from Republican groups aiming to support Paxton, with the Senate Leadership Fund (SLF) alone having invested a record $131 million. Paxton's own campaign has also announced a substantial $20 million ad buy.
With national Democrats beginning to spend on their nominee, James Talarico, and with polling indicating a tightening race, Republicans anticipate the cost of salvaging Paxton's campaign will continue to escalate. Some within the GOP suggest that MAGA Inc. should take over spending in the final weeks to allow SLF to focus resources elsewhere, though this has not yet materialized. Senator John Cornyn acknowledged the need for difficult choices regarding where money can have the biggest impact, noting Texas as the most expensive state.