MAGA, Inc., a super PAC affiliated with former President Donald Trump, has allocated $10 million to support Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in his U.S. Senate race against Democratic state Rep. James Talarico. The Federal Election Commission filing marks the largest midterm expenditure to date for the PAC.
The substantial ad spending, intended for digital and television spots across Texas, comes as polls indicate a closely contested race between Paxton and Talarico. Trump's endorsement earlier this year was instrumental in Paxton's victory over incumbent Sen. John Cornyn in the Republican primary.
Paxton acknowledged Trump's support on social media, stating, "Together we will win for Texas and America." The ad buy had been the subject of speculation for weeks. Talarico's campaign criticized the influx of funds, characterizing it as "billionaire-backed dark money" attempting to mislead voters about his platform. Talarico, who advocates for increased taxes on the wealthy, has drawn a contrast with the Republican convention, which he described as a gathering of "billionaire mega-donors and their puppet politicians."
MAGA Inc. spokesperson Alex Pfeiffer stated that the super PAC aims to inform Texans about Talarico's policies, which Pfeiffer characterized as "radical" and aimed at taking "money out of Texans' pockets." The group highlighted Paxton's support for doubling the child tax credit, tax breaks for medical expenses, and a $50,000 deduction for first-time homebuyers.
Campaign finance reports show Talarico's campaign has raised $72 million, largely from small donors, while Paxton's campaign has brought in $16.8 million, according to the Texas Tribune. Trump has indicated a willingness to spend significantly from the PAC's approximately $400 million in funds to support his political allies.