Trump-backed group launches $10 million Texas Senate ad campaign

MAGA, Inc., the political group associated with former President Donald Trump, is deploying $10 million for television and digital advertisements in Texas's Senate race, according to filings with the Federal Election Commission submitted on Saturday. The spending represents the organization's first significant general election expenditure and signals the growing competitiveness of a seat long considered secure for Republicans.

The Texas Senate contest has shifted dramatically with the candidacy of James Talarico, a 37-year-old state representative who has energized Democratic voters in a state that has historically leaned Republican in statewide elections. Republican nominee Ken Paxton, the state's Attorney General, secured Trump's endorsement ahead of a closely contested primary runoff against incumbent Senator John Cornyn in May.

The substantial investment reflects mounting concerns within Trump's political network about the race's trajectory. Midterm election patterns have historically favored the party not in control of the White House, and Democrats are targeting several Republican-held seats as they seek to gain control of both chambers of Congress. Texas, as a large and symbolically important state, has emerged as a key battleground in these efforts.

Public sentiment regarding economic conditions and foreign policy decisions has created headwinds for Republican candidates across the country. The additional spending in Texas underscores how competitive races that were previously considered safe for either party have become unpredictable in the current political environment.