On September 5, 2026, President Trump made a significant campaign contribution to Texas Senate candidate Ken Paxton, who is currently the Texas attorney general. Trump contributed $10 million from his MAGA Inc. super PAC to aid Paxton’s campaign. Paxton faces a tight race against Democrat James Talarico.
The funds are allocated equally: $5 million for negative ads targeting Talarico and $5 million for positive ads supporting Paxton. This information is per a Federal Election Commission filing. The ads will be managed by Del Ray Media Inc., focusing on both television and digital platforms.
The MAGA Inc. committee, with a total fund of $400 million, had not previously made any major donations during this midterm cycle. Despite this, a nonprofit linked to Trump’s super PAC, Securing American Greatness, launched a nationwide ad promoting President Trump rather than local candidates. This decision has caused some concern among candidates who prefer campaign spending to be directed towards supporting them.
During a Save America rally in Robstown, Texas, Ken Paxton greeted President Trump. Paxton, well-regarded among Republicans with a 61% approval rating in August, had previously survived a 2023 impeachment trial. The trial involved serious charges, including bribery and dereliction of duty. It was revealed that Paxton had an extramarital affair, leading his wife, also a state senator, to file for divorce.
Talarico remains close in polls against Paxton, even though Texas has not elected a Democratic senator in 33 years. In response to Trump’s criticism, Talarico started selling T-shirts featuring the derogatory nickname Trump coined for him. Trump had previously criticized Talarico in a campaign speech, reflecting the tense nature of this political contest.
The only other major donation by MAGA Inc. this cycle occurred in South Carolina. The super PAC contributed $827,000 to Sen. Darline Graham’s reelection campaign. Graham aims to secure a full term after inheriting the seat from her late brother, Lindsey Graham.
President Trump declared his intent to fund Republican candidates and emphasized voter turnout by encouraging people to cast their ballots as if he were on it, thereby motivating his supporters to participate actively in these elections.
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