A super PAC aligned with Texas Senate GOP nominee Ken Paxton has dropped a hefty $15 million on a two-week advertising blitz, aiming to shore up support for the Republican as he faces a stiff challenge from Democrat James Talarico.
The group, Lone Star Liberty PAC, unveiled the new spots on Tuesday, which will air across 18 Texas markets, according to a spokesperson. The investment underscores the high-stakes nature of the race, which has drawn national attention and significant fundraising.
Paxton's Record Highlighted
One of the ads touts Paxton's tenure as state attorney general, pointing to a $1.4 billion settlement with Google over privacy violations and a deal with Kellogg's to remove artificial dyes from its cereals. The narrator declares, "Ken Paxton. When they come after Texans, he comes after them."
This messaging aims to cast Paxton as a defender of Texas consumers, a role he has emphasized throughout his campaign. The ad's focus on his record comes as Paxton trails in fundraising and recent polls.
Attacks on Talarico
The second ad, titled "Chinese Toy," goes on the offensive, accusing Talarico of being sympathetic to China. It references Talarico's vote against legislation that would have imposed criminal penalties on foreign entities buying Texas land. That bill passed both chambers and was signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott.
The ad features a portrait of Talarico dressed in attire resembling that of former Chinese leader Mao Zedong, with a voiceover stating, "China's got Talarico, Texas needs Ken Paxton."
Sam Cooper, a spokesperson for Lone Star Liberty PAC, called Talarico a "radical masquerading as a moderate" whose record is "too extreme" for Texas. "Between now and Election Day, voters are going to hear it, and when they do, they will reject James Talarico," Cooper added.
Talarico's campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Fundraising and Polls
Despite the ad blitz, Talarico has been a fundraising powerhouse, pulling in $68.5 million since launching his bid last September, trailing only incumbent Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.) in Senate fundraising, per Federal Election Commission data. As of late June, Talarico had $21.5 million in cash on hand versus Paxton's $1.8 million.
Recent polling from Texas Public Opinion Research shows Talarico leading Paxton 48% to 42%, with 7% undecided, a lead outside the 3.3-point margin of error. Decision Desk HQ gives Talarico a 55% chance of winning, and Cook Political Report rates the race a "Toss Up."
The race has also drawn outside attention, including Trump stumping for Paxton in Texas amid a separate legal battle. Meanwhile, Paxton has hit back at critics who question his campaign stamina.
As the election nears, both campaigns are likely to escalate their efforts, with Paxton's allies betting that this massive ad buy can shift momentum in a race that remains tightly contested.
