Story perspectives

Talarico Leads Paxton by Up to Six Points

By Drooid · Oct 6, 2026, 4:45 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Ken Paxton said his Senate campaign is being run by outside forces in Washington, D.C., released Oct 5, 2026.
His prior impeachment on bribery allegations and personal scandal make his candidacy vulnerable, prompting over $300 million GOP spending.
Polls from Fox News, NY Times/Siena College and Marist show James Talarico leading Paxton by two to six points.
Republican groups plan over $300 million Texas spending, with a pro-Paxton PAC expecting more than $100 million.

History

Historical Context

After the Supreme Court’s 5-4 decision in Citizens United v. FEC (2010) lifted limits on corporate and union independent spending, super-PACs exploded, driving independent expenditures to $1.5 billion in the 2020 federal elections. That surge mirrors the over $400 million pledged to support Ken Paxton’s 2026 Texas Senate race, underscoring how the ruling reshaped Texas’s intra-party financing.

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Story summary

Ken Paxton said his Senate campaign is being run by outside forces in Washington, D.C., released Oct 5, 2026.
His prior impeachment on bribery allegations and personal scandal make his candidacy vulnerable, prompting over $300 million GOP spending.
Polls from Fox News, NY Times/Siena College and Marist show James Talarico leading Paxton by two to six points.
Republican groups plan over $300 million Texas spending, with a pro-Paxton PAC expecting more than $100 million.

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