Donald Trump urged to fund Ken Paxton in Texas Senate race

Republican leaders are pressing President Donald Trump to direct money from his $350 million war chest to support Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, the GOP's nominee for the U.S. Senate. Paxton, who won the Republican primary after Trump’s late endorsement, faces Democrat state Rep. James Talarico in a race that a June 9 Texas Pulse poll shows to be tied. Paxton has raised about $7.6 million and reports $2.3 million cash on hand, while Talarico’s campaign has raised roughly $40 million, with $9.9 million available.

Senator Cynthia Lummis said, “It would be very helpful if the president would help the people he endorsed.” A Texas political operative added, “There is no doubt that Ken Paxton needs outside money to help him win this race.” Trump's super‑PAC MAGA Inc. holds a $356 million war chest but has not yet committed funds to Paxton; the Senate Leadership Fund’s fall‑season plan also excludes Texas. Republicans warn that a loss could force the party to divert hundreds of millions of dollars from other battleground states and jeopardize its Senate majority.