Talarico Raises Record $30 Million in Q2, Tripling Paxton in Texas Senate Race

3 articles · Updated · The Texas Tribune · Jul 9

$30 million from April through June gave Democrat James Talarico a record second-quarter haul for a Senate candidate in an election year, far ahead of Republican Ken Paxton’s $9 million.
The surge pushed Talarico above $70 million raised since September from 1.5 million donations, including 780,000 contributors; his campaign said 97% of gifts were $100 or less.
That advantage could still be blunted because both campaigns have yet to file full FEC reports by July 15, and a recent Supreme Court ruling lets Paxton draw more heavily on national GOP money.
Recent public polling shows the race essentially tied, underscoring why Talarico’s fundraising has revived Democratic hopes of flipping a Texas Senate seat for the first time since 1988.
Texas was not initially a top Democratic Senate target, but turmoil in Maine has increased the race’s importance to the party’s broader effort to retake the chamber.

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Left33%

Center50%

Right17%

The Texas Tribune8d ago

James Talarico Raises Record $30 Million in Q2 for Texas Senate Race, Tripling Ken Paxton's Haul

Bloomberg8d ago

James Talarico Raises $30 Million for Texas US Senate Campaign

The Dallas Morning News8d ago

Texas Senate candidates James Talarico and Ken Paxton raise millions

7 Sources

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Fundraising Firepower and Political Upheaval: Inside the Record-Breaking 2026 Texas Senate Race Between James Talarico and Ken Paxton

Overview

As of early July 2026, the Texas Senate race between James Talarico and Ken Paxton is extremely close, with polls showing them essentially tied. This tight competition has put a spotlight on campaign finances, revealing a significant fundraising gap that is shaping the race. Ken Paxton has historically struggled with fundraising, often trailing behind his primary opponent, John Cornyn. Both candidates are set to file updated fundraising reports by July 15, which will give a clearer view of their financial positions. The outcome of this financial battle could play a major role in determining the direction of the race.

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