Ken Paxton vs. James Talarico: Funding Surge, Poll Leads and Corruption Claims Shape Texas Senate Race

President Donald Trump’s political action committee, MAGA Inc., added $5 million to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s Senate campaign, per a recent FEC filing. The infusion follows earlier transfers of $10 million from the president’s campaign arm, $2 million from America PAC, and roughly $54 million from a group linked to the Senate Leadership Fund.

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Despite the boost, Paxton’s cash-on-hand trails Democratic rival James Talarico. FEC records show Talarico ended June with $21.5 million in cash, while Paxton reported $1.8 million.

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Polls consistently place Talarico ahead. A September 8-11 ReconMR/Texas Pulse survey found Talarico at 49 % versus Paxton’s 43 %, a margin outside the poll’s error range. Earlier August polls showed a brief tie or a one-point Paxton edge, but none have shown him leading since.

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Paxton secured the Republican nomination in May with Trump’s endorsement, defeating incumbent Senator John Cornyn, who was backed by the National Republican Senatorial Committee and Senate Majority Leader John Thune. Thune later urged the party to “go all-in” for Paxton.

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Paxton’s career includes a 2023 impeachment vote on obstruction, bribery and “unfitness for office,” from which he was acquitted, and a 2015 securities-fraud indictment dismissed after he paid nearly $300,000 in restitution.

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Talarico, a former state representative, earned $83,333.40 in 2025 for consulting with MAYA Consulting (now VIDA Collaborative). While on the Texas House Public Education Committee, the agency awarded MAYA contracts totaling $3.5 million in 2021 and $1.6 million in 2022.

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• MAGA Inc.: $5 million (latest)

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• Prior Trump-related contributions: $10 million + $2 million + $54 million

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• Talarico cash on hand: $21.5 million (June)

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• Paxton cash on hand: $1.8 million (June)

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• Poll leads: 6-point advantage (49 % vs 43 %) – ReconMR/Texas Pulse; leads in districts 15, 28, 34 – Texas Southern University

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• John Thune endorsed Cornyn in the primary and later urged GOP members to “go all-in” for Paxton.

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• Talarico campaign spokesperson called the accusations a “lie,” asserting the work complied fully with Texas House rules and that Talarico had no vote or influence over the contracts.

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Fox News reported Talarico was a voting member of the Public Education Committee when the contracts were awarded, suggesting potential influence. VIDA’s CEO asserted no conflict existed and that internal safeguards prevented Talarico from representing the firm before the legislature or education agencies. Independent verification of any direct role remains lacking.

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• “I don’t trust all these polls. We have our own polling that suggests maybe a little different result, but we definitely have a close race.” — Ken Paxton, the talarico spokesperson

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• “James Talarico abused his office to enrich himself and his employer,” — Ken Paxton, the talarico spokesperson

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The race culminates on November 3, when Texas voters will decide which candidate will occupy the U.S. Senate seat. All major polls continue to show Talarico ahead, but the influx of national GOP funding keeps the contest highly competitive.

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