Trump Headlines Houston Fundraiser for Ken Paxton Senate Bid

Donald Trump is headlining a fundraiser in Houston to support Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton in a closely contested U.S. Senate race in Texas. Nonpartisan election handicappers currently rate the contest as a toss-up, although some polls indicate Democratic candidate James Talarico holds a slight early lead.

Republicans are working to consolidate support across the state, with a midterm convention planned for Dallas next month. The race carries significant national implications, as a Talarico victory could signal that Texas has become a competitive state for Democrats.

Such a shift would potentially impact the 2028 presidential election by putting the 40 electoral votes of Texas into play.