Story perspectives

Trump Rally Boosts Paxton as Polls Show Tight Race

By Drooid · Oct 25, 2026, 10:33 PM UTC · How we work

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Musk Dark Money Allegation

U.S. President Donald Trump held a rally in Lubbock, Texas, on Tuesday supporting Senate candidate Ken Paxton.
A Fox News poll released Oct. 21 showed Paxton and Democrat James Talarico tied at 49% each, while Elon Musk has spent $190 million supporting Paxton.
Hispanic voters prefer Talarico 64% to 34%, giving him 30-point lead among that demographic.
Talarico’s campaign released an ad accusing Musk of financing dark-money groups spending $190 million for Paxton.

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Bush Endorses Democrat

U.S. President Donald Trump held a rally in Lubbock, Texas, Tuesday, supporting Republican Senate candidate Ken Paxton.
Coverage stresses Republican infighting, Paxton’s impeachment by the Texas House, and Neil Bush’s endorsement of Democrat James Talarico.
Bush cited Paxton’s judgment and conduct, noting his acquittal by the Texas Senate.
A Marist poll on Oct. 14 gave Talarico 47% and Paxton 45%.
Researchers linked a fabricated claim against Talarico to Russian group Storm-1516.

History

Historical Context

On Jan 21 2010 the Supreme Court’s 5-4 Citizens United decision struck down limits on corporate and union election ads, opening the way for unlimited independent spending. The ruling spurred the rise of super-PACs and, between 2010 and 2020, the ten biggest donors poured $1.2 billion into federal races, a shift that now fuels billionaire-backed campaigns and calls for new finance reforms.

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Musk Dark Money Allegation

U.S. President Donald Trump held a rally in Lubbock, Texas, on Tuesday supporting Senate candidate Ken Paxton.
A Fox News poll released Oct. 21 showed Paxton and Democrat James Talarico tied at 49% each, while Elon Musk has spent $190 million supporting Paxton.
Hispanic voters prefer Talarico 64% to 34%, giving him 30-point lead among that demographic.
Talarico’s campaign released an ad accusing Musk of financing dark-money groups spending $190 million for Paxton.

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