The U.S. Chamber of Commerce threw its weight behind Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in the state's closely watched Senate race, endorsing the Republican over Democratic challenger James Talarico ahead of the 2026 midterms.
In a statement, Neil Bradley, the Chamber's Executive Vice President and Chief Policy Officer, framed the contest as a clear choice for business interests. "Attorney General Ken Paxton has been a defender of free enterprise and the pro-growth policies that empower American businesses to thrive," Bradley said, citing Paxton's pushback against "federal overreach," his support for a "low-tax environment," and his defense of the energy sector from "burdensome mandates."
Bradley also emphasized Paxton's commitment to legal reform, stating, "Paxton understands that true economic prosperity relies on a fair and predictable justice system. We look forward to working together on meaningful legal reform that shields job creators from lawsuit abuse and red tape."
Paxton, who has the backing of former President Trump, narrowly defeated incumbent Sen. John Cornyn in the May Republican primary runoff. However, he has faced an uphill battle against Talarico, with polls showing a competitive race amid broader GOP dissatisfaction in the Lone Star State.
The Cook Political Report shifted the race to a "toss-up" in August, and Decision Desk HQ, a partner of The Hill, gives Talarico a 54 percent probability of flipping the seat. Talarico has hammered Paxton over his controversial tenure as attorney general, including his 2023 impeachment by the Texas House and subsequent acquittal in the Senate. In audio obtained by The New York Times, Paxton himself acknowledged that his appearance at the GOP's midterm convention "dropped our numbers."
The Chamber's endorsement is notable given its recent clashes with the Trump administration over tariffs. The organization filed an amicus brief in a Supreme Court case last year, arguing that Trump's tariff actions overstepped his authority and caused "irreparable harm to businesses of all sizes." The Court ultimately ruled the tariffs unlawful, rejecting Trump's use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.
Following that ruling, Bradley called on the administration to "reset overall tariff policy" to foster economic growth, higher wages, and lower costs for families. The Chamber's backing of Paxton, a Trump ally, underscores the complex dynamics at play as the group navigates its traditional pro-business agenda alongside the former president's influence.
The endorsement adds another layer to an already volatile race, with both campaigns likely to use it to galvanize their bases. Paxton will tout the Chamber's seal of approval as evidence of his economic credentials, while Talarico may use it to paint Paxton as a creature of the establishment. As early voting nears, outside groups like Voto Latino have already poured significant money into Texas, signaling a high-stakes battle for control of the Senate.
