Republicans are urging President Donald Trump to provide financial support for his embattled ally, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who faces a tough Senate race against a well-funded Democrat. Paxton ousted four-term Senator John Cornyn in a primary runoff last month after Trump's last-minute endorsement, shifting the race from likely Republican to lean Republican in a state Trump won by nearly 14 points in 2024.
Paxton's Fundraising Struggles
Paxton now faces Democratic state Representative James Talarico, a rising star who raised $40 million through March with $9.9 million on hand. In contrast, Paxton—indicted for felony fraud and impeached by the Texas House—raised only $7.6 million through May 6, with $2.3 million in the bank. He denies any wrongdoing.
Senator Cynthia Lummis, a retiring Wyoming Republican, said, "It would be very helpful if the president would help the people he endorsed." Texas has 20 television markets, making it expensive. The Republican establishment spent tens of millions on Cornyn, considered a safer bet. An internal memo warned that Paxton's nomination would put Texas in play and divert resources from key battlegrounds.
"Ken Paxton needs outside money to win," said a Texas political operative. Gregg Keller of the pro-Paxton Lone Star Liberty PAC said Republicans are coalescing behind Paxton, adding, "We are thankful to the president for his endorsement."
Talarico's Appeal
Talarico draws crowds in Republican counties by discussing his Christian faith and policies targeting billionaires. Republicans accuse him of heretical views and attack him on immigration and gender issues. A June 9 Texas Pulse poll shows a tie.
"Paxton is forcing the GOP to develop a new strategy for a state they never believed would be in play," said Lauren French of Senate Democrats' super PAC.
Senate Majority at Stake
Republicans hold a 53-47 Senate majority. They target Democratic seats in Georgia and Michigan but defend seats in North Carolina, Ohio, Maine, Alaska, and possibly Iowa and Texas. Trump's super PAC, MAGA Inc., has $356 million but hasn't committed to Paxton. Senate Republicans' super PAC plans $342 million in battlegrounds, excluding Texas.
"The assumption is that he is going to invest in Paxton," said one Senate Republican, speaking anonymously. "He put his foot on the scale for his candidate. So we assume he will." The final two years of Trump's presidency are at stake; a Democratic Congress could investigate his administration.
Senate Republicans avoided telling Trump what to do. Senator John Curtis said, "That's his funding. That's his decision." Chris LaCivita of MAGA Inc. told Politico the PAC raises money but doesn't disclose spending details, describing Texas as an open Republican seat "that we'll have to ensure we win."
Governor Abbott's Role
Analysts say Paxton faces a significant fundraising challenge. Some blame Trump for creating a close race. "National Republicans understand Paxton's vulnerabilities," said Cal Jillson, a political science professor at Southern Methodist University. "Lots of people point the finger at Donald Trump because his endorsement created the stampede to Paxton."
Governor Greg Abbott's political committee has nearly $96 million cash on hand. Spokesman Eduardo Leal said Abbott supports the entire Republican ticket but declined to specify if he would fund Paxton. "Republicans are united and focused on delivering a decisive victory," Leal said.
