Ken Paxton Faces Cash Shortfall as James Talarico Outraises Him in Texas Senate Race

Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton entered the 2026 U.S. Senate primary with a sizable cash deficit, while Democratic state Representative James Talarico has built a war-chest that dwarfs his opponent’s. The disparity has intensified GOP anxiety about funding a competitive general-election campaign in a state that has not elected a Democrat statewide since 1994.

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Paxton, who unseated incumbent Republican Senator John Cornyn in the May primary, carries a record of legal controversies, including a 2015 securities-fraud indictment dismissed in 2024 after restitution and ethics training, a 2023 impeachment by the Texas House, and a $6.67 million whistle-blower judgment under appeal.

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• Fundraising: Talarico’s campaign committee, *Talarico for Texas*, reported $68.6 million raised and $47 million spent through June 30 (FEC filings). Cash on hand stood at $21.5 million.

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• Paxton’s finances: Paxton’s two committees raised $9.2 million, spent $7.5 million, and held $1.76 million cash on hand—about one-twelfth of Talarico’s balance.

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• Advertising: AdImpact data show Talarico’s side buying tens of millions in TV ads since June, whereas Paxton’s campaign has spent just over $150,000 on ads in the same period.

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• Polling: A University of Texas/Texas Politics Project poll (Aug 5-13, 1,200 voters) placed Talarico at 42 %, Paxton at 39 %, with 14 % undecided (MOE ± 2.83). An Emerson College poll (Aug 9-10, 1,000 likely voters) showed a statistical tie, Paxton 47 % to Talarico 46 % (MOE ± 3). A Texas Public Opinion Research poll (Aug 21-24) gave Talarico a 48 % lead over Paxton’s 42 % (MOE ± 3.3).

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• Paxton told Newsmax his campaign is “a little behind on TV.”

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• Former Senator John Cornyn said he will not campaign for Paxton, describing the candidate as “lazy” in an interview with the Texas Tribune and confirming the stance to CNN.

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GOP strategists warn the cash shortfall could force the party to divert resources from other competitive Senate races.

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Polls present divergent pictures: the August 5-13 University of Texas poll shows a clear Talarico lead, while the August 9-10 Emerson College poll indicates a statistical tie. President Donald Trump headlined a Houston fundraiser framed as support for Paxton, yet the money was directed to the Republican National Committee rather than Paxton’s campaign, and no further contributions have materialized.

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Republican leaders are weighing additional national funding before the November general election, while both campaigns prepare for intensified advertising and voter-turnout operations in the weeks ahead.

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