Texas Republicans Spend $7.7M Daily for Paxton Senate Bid
Texas Republicans spend over $7.7 million daily on Ken Paxton’s Senate campaign as polls show a tight race.
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Texas Republicans have invested more than $7.7 million per day in support of Ken Paxton’s Senate campaign, according to Federal Election Commission (FEC) filings reviewed by Newsweek. A Republican super political action committee (PAC) spent $131 million over 17 days, averaging $7.7 million daily, to bolster Paxton’s bid against Democrat James Talarico.
Polls Show Tight Race
Whether this spending has helped Paxton’s campaign remains uncertain, as recent polls indicate a closely contested race. A Fox News poll released on Thursday found Texas voters are split on who should control the U.S. Senate, with 49% preferring a Democratic Senate and 50% favoring a Republican upper chamber. The poll also noted that 8% of self-identified Republicans prefer a Democratic Senate, compared to 1% of Democrats who support a Republican Senate.
Among likely voters, Talarico holds a slim 2-point edge over Paxton (51-49 percent), though the results are within the margin of sampling error. In a larger sample of registered voters, Talarico’s lead widens to seven points, up from a three-point edge in July.
Advertising Push Intensifies
The Republican push for Paxton continues, with the candidate announcing a $20 million advertising buy on Wednesday, according to a Politico report. The ads will begin running in Houston, Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio before expanding statewide.
Republican groups have increased their advertising support for Paxton, with a significant share coming through Texas PAC, a group connected to the Senate Leadership Fund. The Senate Leadership Fund, a super PAC affiliated with Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD), purchased $51.3 million in broadcast advertising in September across key Texas markets, according to AdImpact figures reported by the Texas Tribune.
Political Commitment
In a previous statement to Newsweek, Senate Leadership Fund executive director Alex Latcham emphasized the party’s commitment to Paxton’s victory. Latcham said, “The Republican Party in Texas has been united to elect Ken Paxton and keep Texas red in November.” The fund’s investment through Texas PAC underscores its dedication to maintaining the Republican majority and defeating James Talarico, whom Latcham describes as a “Far-Left liberal.”
Texas has not elected a Democratic U.S. Senator since 1988, adding pressure on both candidates as the November election approaches.
Source: Breitbart
