MAGA, Inc., the political group associated with former President Donald Trump, is launching its first major general election ad campaign with a $10 million expenditure in the Texas Senate race, according to a Federal Election Commission filing.
This significant spending signals a shift in how Trump's associated funds will be deployed in the midterm elections. The $10 million will be used for television and digital advertisements targeting the race between Republican Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and Democratic state Representative James Talarico.
Trump has publicly stated his intention to spend heavily to support Republican candidates. "I’m going to spend whatever amount of money necessary to try and help us," Trump told reporters Friday, emphasizing that these funds are separate from those managed by the Republican National Committee.
The Texas Senate seat, previously considered a safe Republican hold, has become a focus of national attention. Democrats see Talarico's candidacy as a potential opportunity to expand the political map. The ad campaign from MAGA, Inc. aims to counter Talarico's message, with a spokesman for the group stating they will "ensure Texas knows about Talarico’s radical policies and elects Ken Paxton to the U.S. Senate."
Trump has backed Paxton despite the attorney general's public scandals. The former president acknowledged on Wednesday that Paxton might not be the most telegenic candidate but praised his record as attorney general, calling him "the best attorney general in the country, perhaps."
MAGA, Inc. reportedly has at least $400 million in campaign funds available. Republican candidates in competitive races have been anticipating the deployment of these resources. James Blair, who oversees Trump's midterm political operations, had previously indicated that Republican candidates would receive substantial support.