Story perspectives

Costliest Primary Funds Paxton-Talarico Texas Senate Race

5/27/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Republican Senate runoff that chose Ken Paxton cost over $150 million in TV ads, the costliest U.S. primary ever.
Paxton will meet Democrat James Talarico in the November U.S. Senate general election.
House Democratic leaders called Paxton a fringe candidate with antisemitic and dangerous rhetoric and urged a responsible alternative.
Democrats say President Donald Trump’s declining popularity among Latino voters gives Talarico a realistic chance to flip Texas.

History

Historical Context

In 2008 Barack Obama’s presidential bid broke fundraising records, pulling in more than $235 million by March and using TV advertising to win swing states. That ad-driven model became a template, and in the 2024 Texas Senate runoff Ken Paxton and James Talarico have poured over $150 million into television spots. The precedent shows how media buys now shape voter outreach and campaign-finance debates.

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Story summary

The Republican Senate runoff that chose Ken Paxton cost over $150 million in TV ads, the costliest U.S. primary ever.
Paxton will meet Democrat James Talarico in the November U.S. Senate general election.
House Democratic leaders called Paxton a fringe candidate with antisemitic and dangerous rhetoric and urged a responsible alternative.
Democrats say President Donald Trump’s declining popularity among Latino voters gives Talarico a realistic chance to flip Texas.

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