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Talarico Leads Paxton in Senate Fundraising, Polls Show

8/29/2026

Summary

Trump Backs Paxton

U.S. President Donald Trump attended a Republican fundraiser in Houston for Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s Senate bid.
Paxton trails Democratic challenger James Talarico by nearly $60 million in fundraising.
Fundraiser tickets started at $10,000 per couple, with some contributions exceeding $400,000.
A Texas Public Opinion Research poll on Aug. 27 showed Talarico leading Paxton 48% to 42%.
If elected, Talarico would be the first Texas Democrat in the U.S. Senate since 1988.

Summary

Talarico Breaks Monopolies

James Talarico unveiled a healthcare plan with entrepreneur Mark Cuban to break up medical monopolies.
The proposal promises lower prescription drug prices and lets doctors, not insurers, choose patient medications.
Talarico said large hospital systems control 90% of U.S. hospital beds.
He added three pharmacy benefit managers handle about 80% of U.S. prescriptions.

Summary

Talarico Seeks Unseal

Rep. James Talarico (R-Texas) filed a Collin County motion to unseal Ken Paxton (Texas Attorney General)’s 2019 and 2022 depositions.
The Wall Street Journal reported Paxton may have breached attorney-client privilege by giving Unity records to lawyer Mitch Little.
Blind-trust manager Charles Loper III accused Byron Cook and Joel Hochberg of securities fraud.
Republican Judge Cynthia Wheless has kept the depositions sealed since the case settled in 2023.

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Trump Backs Paxton

U.S. President Donald Trump attended a Republican fundraiser in Houston for Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s Senate bid.
Paxton trails Democratic challenger James Talarico by nearly $60 million in fundraising.
Fundraiser tickets started at $10,000 per couple, with some contributions exceeding $400,000.
A Texas Public Opinion Research poll on Aug. 27 showed Talarico leading Paxton 48% to 42%.
If elected, Talarico would be the first Texas Democrat in the U.S. Senate since 1988.

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