Republican cavalry arrives for Ken Paxton as big-bucks Texas offensive opens cash floodgates, tell me about this news in (https://www.foxnews.com/politics/republican-cavalry-arrives-ken-paxton-big-bucks-texas-offensive-opens-cash-floodgates)
11-09-2026
This Fox News report details a major financial push by national Republicans to support Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in his competitive U.S. Senate race against Democratic nominee and state representative James Talarico.Key points covered in the report include:
- The PAC Launch and Major Ad Buys: The Senate Leadership Fund (SLF), a super PAC aligned with Senate Majority Leader John Thune, launched a dedicated “Texas PAC” to channel millions into the state. The group initiated an eight-figure advertising campaign scheduled to run continuously through Election Day, aimed at boosting Paxton and contrasting his platform with Talarico’s.
- Closing the Cash Gap: Democratic candidate James Talarico had built a substantial financial lead, raising over $72 million since launching his campaign compared to approximately $17 million raised directly by Paxton. Paxton attributed this gap to an extended GOP primary battle against incumbent Senator John Cornyn that lasted through May, which allowed Talarico to begin fundraising and advertising earlier.
- Trump and Leadership Support: Donald Trump’s backing of Paxton over Cornyn earlier in the cycle led to the transition in GOP leadership support. The Senate Leadership Fund’s moves follow a separate $10 million advertising effort by the Trump-aligned super PAC MAGA, Inc.
- Tight Polling: The article highlights recent polling showing a close contest in typically red Texas, including a Fox News poll showing Talarico with a narrow lead (51% to 48%) over Paxton.
- Senate Stakes: Texas is viewed as one of the pivotal battlegrounds that will determine whether Republicans retain control of the Senate majority in the midterm elections.