James Talarico Raises Record $30 Million for Texas Senate Bid

Democratic U.S. Senate nominee James Talarico raised more than $30 million during the second quarter of 2026, setting a record for any U.S. Senate candidate in a single quarter. Since September, Talarico has collected over $70 million from more than 1.5 million donations. His campaign reports that 97% of these contributions were $100 or less and that he has accepted no funds from corporate political action committees.

Republican nominee Ken Paxton, the Texas Attorney General, raised over $9 million in the same period. While Paxton's campaign described this as a personal best and the largest sum for any non-incumbent GOP Senate candidate this cycle, it remains significantly lower than Talarico's total. However, a recent Supreme Court ruling may allow Paxton to access national GOP funds to close the gap.

The fundraising surge follows polling showing the race is statistically tied ahead of the November 3 election. Talarico is attempting to become the first Democrat to hold a Texas U.S. Senate seat since 1993. The race has gained further importance for Democrats following the withdrawal of nominee Graham Platner in Maine amid sexual assault allegations. Paxton enters the general election as the Trump-endorsed candidate after defeating John Cornyn in the May 26 Republican runoff.