Trump Super PAC Spends $10M in Tight Texas Senate Race

Voters head into the final two months of the 2026 midterms with control of Congress at stake and President Donald Trump’s role in Republican strategy drawing intense focus. Republicans hold narrow majorities in both chambers and must defend them in an environment where historical patterns favor the opposition party. Inflation remains elevated, the president’s approval ratings sit at low levels, and Democrats lead generic-ballot polling by margins of three to eight points in most recent surveys.

MAGA Inc., the super PAC tied to Trump, made its first major purchase of the cycle on September 6 with a $10 million ad buy supporting Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton against Democratic state Rep. James Talarico. Federal Election Commission filings show the money will fund digital and television ads across the state. Polls have shown the candidates running neck and neck after Paxton defeated incumbent Sen. John Cornyn in the Republican primary with Trump’s endorsement. Talarico’s campaign has raised $72 million, mostly from small donors, compared with $16.8 million for Paxton, according to the Texas Tribune.

Republicans face a structural challenge: they need Trump’s fundraising base and turnout operation while trying to keep the election from becoming a referendum on the president. Trump has scheduled an unusual midterm convention in Dallas later this month and has said voters should treat the contest as if he were on the ballot. Some vulnerable House Republicans have aired ads highlighting limited disagreements with Trump or have removed his endorsement from campaign materials. Democrats are emphasizing affordability, pointing to tariffs, cuts to safety-net programs, and the administration’s foreign policy as drivers of higher costs.

Redistricting changes in several states and contests for secretary of state in 26 states add further layers. Six candidates backed by groups skeptical of 2020 election procedures reached November ballots in key states. Early mail ballots have already begun moving in North Carolina and Wisconsin under existing rules while litigation continues over proposed new Postal Service procedures. Republican candidates hold a cash advantage overall, with party committees reporting roughly $277 million on hand compared with $136 million for Democrats as of June 30.