The Make America Great Again (MAGA) super Political Action Committee (PAC) has injected $10 million into Texas Republican Senate candidate Ken Paxton's campaign, a significant financial backing for a race that also features Democratic candidate James Talarico. This substantial contribution comes shortly after former President Donald Trump publicly commented on Paxton's physical appearance during a campaign event.
During a recent White House Rose Garden appearance, Trump remarked, "So, Ken Paxton, you might not like the way he dresses. And I say this—it’s so insulting to him, but I might as well say it—you might not like the way he looks." He continued, "You might not love his look. You might not love his television interviews, but he was the best attorney general in the country, perhaps, he was one of the best in the entire country. And that speaks a lot louder than the suit he’s wearing that doesn’t look so great."
Despite these remarks, the MAGA super PAC has committed $5 million to television and digital advertising aimed at opposing Talarico and another $5 million to support Paxton. Federal Election Commission records indicate that MAGA Inc., the super PAC associated with Trump, transferred the funds to Del Ray Media LLC, a Republican-aligned media firm known for its extensive spending in support of GOP candidates. A spokesperson for MAGA Inc. stated that the PAC will highlight Talarico's policies, referring to him as "High Tax Talarico."
Talarico's campaign responded to the financial infusion by suggesting it demonstrates the Republican Party's apprehension. JT Ennis, Talarico's press secretary, told the Daily Mail that "Billionaire-backed dark money groups are lying about James Talarico because they’re scared of the people-powered movement we’re building to fix this broken, corrupt political system."
Paxton acknowledged Trump's support following the contribution in a post on X, formerly Twitter. "While James Talarico has a record of raising taxes on working families, my Protecting the Texas Promise Agenda cuts costs and makes life more affordable. Thank you, President, for your support. Together we will win for Texas and America," Paxton wrote.
The MAGA Inc. super PAC has maintained a relatively low profile during the current election cycle. Prior to the donation to Paxton, its most significant contribution was $827,000 to Darline Graham's campaign in South Carolina in August. Before that, MAGA Inc. had not made candidate contributions since May, when it allocated $560,000 to support Ed Gallrein's challenge against Representative Thomas Massie.
Trump has indicated a broader commitment to supporting Republican candidates, stating his intention to travel across the U.S. to aid in 35 competitive races during the final month of campaigning. He has pledged to spend "whatever amount of money necessary to try and help us."
MAGA Inc. operates as an unauthorized hybrid PAC and is distinct from Trump's personal funds. The PAC does not solicit donations for specific candidates.
The race in Texas is considered highly competitive, with the state having not elected a Democratic senator in over three decades. Paxton has faced numerous legal and political challenges during his career, including a federal fraud case that was later dismissed and an impeachment trial in 2023 over allegations of bribery and abuse of duty, from which he was acquitted.
Further complicating the race, Talarico's campaign has accused Paxton of misusing campaign funds. A complaint filed with the FEC alleges Paxton took funds from an illegitimate political committee. Paxton's campaign has denied these accusations, and the FEC has not yet initiated an investigation.
Polling indicates a close contest, with a University of Texas/Texas Politics Project poll from August 25 showing Talarico with a three-percentage-point lead.