Texas Senate hopeful James Talarico's campaign announced a staggering $3 million haul within a day of Attorney General Ken Paxton's GOP primary runoff victory, a sign that Democratic donors are rallying behind what they see as a winnable race against a vulnerable Republican.
The money poured in after Paxton, backed by a late endorsement from former President Donald Trump, easily defeated incumbent Senator John Cornyn in Tuesday's runoff. Talarico's team said the 24-hour period marked the largest single-day fundraising total for his campaign, fueled by small-dollar donors from across the state.
“In just 24 hours, working people from every corner of Texas have come together to shatter grassroots fundraising records and send a message that Texas deserves better than corrupt Ken Paxton,” Talarico said in a statement. He added that his campaign aims to “unrig our economy, raise our pay, and drive down the cost of gas, groceries, housing, and healthcare.”
The fundraising spike underscores a new wave of Democratic energy in a state that has long been a Republican stronghold. Paxton, who has been dogged by multiple legal and ethical controversies, is seen by many—including some Republicans—as a weaker general election candidate than Cornyn would have been.
Nonpartisan election handicapper Cook Political Report quickly shifted its rating of the race from “likely Republican” to “lean Republican” after Paxton's victory, signaling that Talarico may have a genuine shot at an upset. Texas Democrats see an opening in the race, and Talarico's fundraising is a concrete sign of that momentum.
Paxton's win came despite Cornyn's significant financial advantage, highlighting the power of Trump's endorsement in GOP primaries. Now, with the general election set, Talarico is working to broaden his appeal. He has previously acknowledged missteps, including admitting that some of his past “woke” comments were a mistake, a move aimed at moderating his image in the red state.
Republicans still hold the edge in Texas, but the race is tightening. Polling suggests that Hispanic voters could be a decisive factor, and Talarico's campaign is investing heavily in outreach to that community. Meanwhile, GOP leaders like Senate Majority Leader John Thune are urging unity behind Paxton, but some conservatives remain wary. Steve Bannon has predicted a tough fight for Paxton, acknowledging that Talarico's grassroots energy could pose a real challenge.
The $3 million haul is a clear warning to Republicans that Texas is no longer a safe bet. Talarico's campaign plans to use the funds to build a ground game and run ads in key markets, aiming to turn the race into a referendum on Paxton's troubled tenure as attorney general.
