Texas Senate race between James Talarico and Ken Paxton enters expensive final phase

James Talarico Ken Paxton Texas Senate race midterm elections campaign finance

The Texas Senate race between Democrat James Talarico and Republican Ken Paxton has become one of the most expensive in history, with total spending exceeding $500 million. Talarico, a 37-year-old Democratic state representative and Presbyterian pastor, has raised approximately $155 million since the start of 2025, significantly outpacing Paxton, who has raised about $40.6 million. Talarico’s fundraising is characterized by a high volume of small-dollar donations, with 97% of recent contributions being under $100.

Ken Paxton, the current Texas Attorney General, faces significant challenges, including allegations of corruption and infidelity. While Paxton has seen support from Republican donors and billionaire Elon Musk, who has reportedly invested $158 million in the race, he has also faced criticism from prominent Republicans. Former state legislators and local officials, including former Tarrant County Judge Glen Whitley, have endorsed Talarico, with Whitley describing Paxton as the most corrupt politician Texas has ever seen.

Recent polling indicates that Talarico is currently out-polling Paxton. The election is viewed as a critical battle for control of Congress and a referendum on the political influence of Donald Trump, who has endorsed Paxton. The campaign has also seen intense ideological clashes, with Republican advertisements targeting Talarico on social issues, while Talarico has held large rallies in traditionally Republican areas like Lubbock.

Entities

Donald Trump · Elon Musk · James Talarico · Ken Paxton · Lubbock · Marco Rubio · Texas

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[○ 1 SOURCE] Lubbock County voted for Donald Trump by 40 points in 2024. periodicoatico.com.ar
[○ 1 SOURCE] Donald Trump campaigned in support of Ken Paxton. periodicoatico.com.ar
[○ 1 SOURCE] Five former Texas Republican officials endorsed James Talarico. dominicanaaldia.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] Glen Whitley described Ken Paxton as the most corrupt politician Texas has ever seen. dominicanaaldia.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] James Talarico reported 4,000 attendees at his Lubbock rally. periodicoatico.com.ar
[○ 1 SOURCE] Neil Bush and Wayne Thorburn publicly distanced themselves from the Republican candidate. dominicanaaldia.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] James Talarico has raised approximately $155 million since the start of 2025. www.gilmermirror.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] Ken Paxton has raised approximately $40.6 million since the start of the race. www.gilmermirror.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] The Supreme Court struck down federal limits on how much political parties can spend in coordination with candidates. www.gilmermirror.com
[● 3 SOURCES] The Texas Senate race is expected to be the most expensive in history, with over $500 million spent so far. novini247.com · fakti.bg · www.gilmermirror.com
[● 3 SOURCES] Elon Musk has spent over $150 million to oppose James Talarico. novini247.com · fakti.bg
[○ 1 SOURCE] Ken Paxton has faced allegations of corruption and infidelity. www.vanityfair.com