President Trump's super PAC, MAGA Inc., has poured another $5 million into the Texas Senate race, according to a Federal Election Commission filing released Saturday. The money is earmarked for Del Ray Media LLC, a Virginia-based firm, to fund television and digital advertisements against Democratic nominee James Talarico.
This latest infusion brings the super PAC's total spending in the race to $15 million this month alone, following a $10 million transfer earlier in August for two attack ads. The ads have hammered Talarico, a state representative, as the contest between him and Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton tightens.
Paxton, who is vying to succeed retiring GOP Senator John Cornyn, has also received substantial backing from the GOP-aligned Senate Leadership Fund's Texas affiliate, which has funneled nearly $54 million into the race, per FEC filings.
Despite that outside support, Paxton's campaign war chest remains far smaller than Talarico's. At the end of June, Talarico reported roughly $21.5 million in cash on hand, while Paxton had only about $1.76 million. The disparity underscores Paxton's reliance on super PACs to stay competitive.
The race is deadlocked with less than seven weeks to Election Day. A Hill/Emerson College Polling survey released Thursday showed Talarico with a one-point edge over Paxton, and the Cook Political Report rates the contest a toss-up.
Republicans are increasingly pressing Trump to deploy his vast campaign resources to protect the party's narrow majorities in Congress. Trump has vowed to spend between $400 million and $500 million on midterm races, while reserving funds for a potential 2028 presidential bid. MAGA Inc. reported $403.45 million in cash at the end of July, though Trump has claimed the figure is closer to $1 billion.
The injection into Texas comes amid broader GOP anxiety over tightening midterm races and Trump's polarizing influence. Some Republicans worry that his focus on personal grievances could hurt the party's chances, even as he seeks to play kingmaker.
With control of the Senate hanging in the balance, outside groups on both sides are spending heavily in Texas and other battlegrounds. The Texas race, once considered safely Republican, has become a national focal point as Democrats see an opening in the shifting political landscape.
