GOP Super PACs Pour Millions Into Ken Paxton Senate Race

Republican leadership and super PACs have launched a massive financial intervention to support Ken Paxton in his bid for the U.S. Senate in Texas. The Senate Leadership Fund, affiliated with Senate Majority Leader John Thune, deployed its Texas PAC to donate nearly $54 million to Paxton and reserve over $51 million for broadcast advertisements. This surge follows a period of hesitation from GOP leadership due to Paxton's history of legal scandals and impeachment.

Additional support includes $10 million from Donald Trump's MAGA Inc. for attack ads and over $2.6 million from Elon Musk's America PAC. This funding reverses a significant financial disadvantage; as of June, Paxton held $1.8 million compared to $21.5 million for his Democratic opponent. While early polling showed Paxton trailing, recent data indicates the race is now a toss-up.

Paxton has used the funds to launch economy-focused ads promoting tax breaks for healthcare and housing. Meanwhile, John Cornyn has criticized Paxton as a "poor campaigner" who fails to offer a compelling case for election. Senate Majority Leader John Thune has urged a pivot to an "all in" approach to ensure the seat remains Republican and to prevent a liberal victory.