Story perspectives

Elon Musk’s $190M boosts Paxton’s Texas ad spend

By Drooid · Oct 20, 2026, 3:11 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Total ad spending exceeds $500 million, including more than $190 million from Elon Musk for Ken Paxton.
Democratic candidate James Talarico raised over $64 million in Q3 2026.
Early voting runs Oct. 19–Oct. 30, with Election Day on Nov. 3.
James Talarico’s “Clear Eyes, Full Hearts” tour featured a Fort Worth rally and an ad with Friday Night Lights stars.
Ken Paxton began an 18-day bus tour, unveiling his “Protecting Texas Promise Plan” with tax-deduction proposals.

History

Historical Context

The 2010 Supreme Court’s 5-4 Citizens United ruling eliminated corporate limits on independent election ads, spawning super-PACs that channel unlimited funds and have been shown to boost Republican candidates. That legal shift now underlies today’s Texas race, where a billionaire donor’s massive contribution illustrates the enduring impact of the decision on campaign financing.

1 of 2

Story summary

Total ad spending exceeds $500 million, including more than $190 million from Elon Musk for Ken Paxton.
Democratic candidate James Talarico raised over $64 million in Q3 2026.
Early voting runs Oct. 19–Oct. 30, with Election Day on Nov. 3.
James Talarico’s “Clear Eyes, Full Hearts” tour featured a Fort Worth rally and an ad with Friday Night Lights stars.
Ken Paxton began an 18-day bus tour, unveiling his “Protecting Texas Promise Plan” with tax-deduction proposals.

1 / 2