Story perspectives

Senate Leadership Fund buys $32M Texas TV ads for Paxton

By Drooid · Sep 12, 2026, 10:41 PM UTC · How we work

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Paxton Secures TV

Senate Leadership Fund super PAC bought $32 million of broadcast TV ad time in Texas for Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton’s U.S. Senate campaign.
The five-to-one ad advantage raises concerns that massive spending could drown out ordinary voters’ voices.
President Donald Trump mocked Paxton’s dress and speaking style, calling him the best attorney general.
A Texas poll on Aug. 24 showed Talarico ahead 42% to 39%, a tight race.

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Paxton Ad Purchase

On September 11 2026, the Senate Leadership Fund super PAC bought $32 million of broadcast TV ad time in Texas for Attorney General Ken Paxton’s Senate campaign.
The purchase was presented as a unified Republican effort to protect the Senate majority.
John Thune said Republicans unite to keep James Talarico, leading 51%-48% in a poll, out.
President Donald Trump’s MAGA Inc. contributed a separate $10 million ad buy for Paxton.

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Paxton Buys TV

On September 11 2026, the Senate Leadership Fund super PAC purchased $32 million of broadcast TV ad time in Texas for Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton’s U.S. Senate campaign.
MAGA Inc., the super PAC of U.S. President Donald Trump, spent $10 million on Texas TV ads, its first general-election expenditure.
August polls showed Democrat James Talarico holding a narrow lead over Paxton.
FEC filings list Paxton with $1.8 million cash on hand versus Talarico’s $21.5 million.

History

Historical Context

After the Supreme Court’s 2010 Citizens United ruling removed limits on corporate and union independent spending, super PACs emerged and poured over $1 billion into the 2016 race, boosting Republican victories. The decision also spurred groups like the Senate Leadership Fund, whose $32 million Texas ads echo that surge and now shape contests such as Ken Paxton’s 2026 Senate bid.

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Paxton Secures TV

Senate Leadership Fund super PAC bought $32 million of broadcast TV ad time in Texas for Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton’s U.S. Senate campaign.
The five-to-one ad advantage raises concerns that massive spending could drown out ordinary voters’ voices.
President Donald Trump mocked Paxton’s dress and speaking style, calling him the best attorney general.
A Texas poll on Aug. 24 showed Talarico ahead 42% to 39%, a tight race.

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