Full Breakdown
Trump-linked Super PAC Drops $10 Million Into Texas Senate Race
9/9/2026, 2:24:03 AM
The $10 Million Ad Blitz
A Federal Election Commission filing shows MAGA Inc., the super-PAC aligned with former President Donald Trump, is spending $10 million on television and digital advertising in the 2026 Texas U.S. Senate contest. The money is split evenly: $5 million to promote Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton and $5 million for attack ads against Democratic state Rep. James Talarico. This is the PAC’s first major expenditure in a general-election race.
Background & Context
Paxton secured the Republican nomination by defeating incumbent Sen. John Cornyn in a May primary runoff, aided by Trump’s endorsement. Texas has not elected a Democrat to the Senate since 1988. The Cook Political Report shifted its rating from “Lean Republican” to “Toss-Up” on August 20 after a series of close polls, drawing national attention.
Data & Statistics
- Ad spend: $10 million total, $5 million each for pro-Paxton and anti-Talarico ads (Dallas Express filing).
- Campaign finances: Talarico’s campaign reported $68.56 million in receipts and $21.55 million cash on hand through June 30; Paxton’s committees reported $9 million in receipts and $1.76 million cash on hand for the same period. Other sources list Paxton’s total fundraising at $16.8 million and Talarico’s at $72 million.
- MAGA Inc. resources: More than $400 million in cash as of July 31.
- Polling: Emerson College (Aug 9-10) showed Paxton ahead 47 % to 46 %; University of Texas (Aug 5-13) placed Talarico at 42 % and Paxton at 39 % (±3.58 %); a Kalshi market on Sept 6 priced the race 51 % Paxton, 49 % Talarico.
Official Statements & Responses
MAGA Inc. Senate Majority Leader John Thune said “their resources need to be brought to bear on Texas because it’s not one that we can lose if we’re going to hang on to a Republican majority.” Paxton thanked Trump on X and highlighted his “Protecting the Texas Promise Agenda.” Talarico spokesperson JT Ennis called the ads “billionaire-backed dark money” and defended his tax-policy record.
Criticism & Opposition
Former Sen. John Cornyn declined to campaign for Paxton, labeling him “lazy” and questioning his fundraising ability. Some GOP operatives warned the timing of the spend could divert resources from other competitive races.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on fundraising totals: Paxton’s cash on hand is reported as $1.76 million versus $16.8 million elsewhere; Talarico’s receipts range from $68.56 million to $72 million. Polling also varies, with some surveys showing a narrow Paxton lead and others a slight Talarico advantage. The filing does not disclose how much of MAGA Inc.’s war chest will be allocated to other races.
What’s Next
The GOP’s first midterm convention is scheduled for Sept 9 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, where Trump is expected to appear and further promote the Texas campaign. Republican leaders say additional MAGA Inc. spending could follow, though timing and amount remain uncertain. The race will remain a focal point as both parties assess the impact of the $10 million ad blitz.
