Story perspectives

Paxton Wins Runoff, Meets Trump; Fundraising Boost, Talarico Leads Poll

6/3/2026

Summary

Story summary

Ken Paxton’s runoff victory triggered a White House meeting with President Donald Trump.
President Donald Trump will meet Paxton at the White House on Tuesday, their first in-person encounter since the endorsement.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune and the National Republican Senatorial Committee created a joint fundraising committee with Paxton’s campaign.
A Texas Public Opinion Research poll after the runoff shows Democratic nominee James Talarico leading Paxton by four points.

History

Historical Context

On November 8 1994 the Republican Revolution gave the GOP its first unified congressional majority since 1952, netting 54 House seats and prompting the NRSC to raise $100 million under Senate leader Bob Dole’s joint-fundraising plan. That coordinated model resurfaces today as Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton joins Senate Republican leader John Thune in a fundraising drive that earned a Trump meeting after a poll showed James Talarico ahead.

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Story summary

Ken Paxton’s runoff victory triggered a White House meeting with President Donald Trump.
President Donald Trump will meet Paxton at the White House on Tuesday, their first in-person encounter since the endorsement.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune and the National Republican Senatorial Committee created a joint fundraising committee with Paxton’s campaign.
A Texas Public Opinion Research poll after the runoff shows Democratic nominee James Talarico leading Paxton by four points.

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