Trump’s MAGA Inc. spends $10 million to back Ken Paxton in Texas Senate race

President Donald Trump’s political network is moving aggressively into the 2026 midterm elections, with his super PAC, MAGA Inc., committing millions of dollars to support Republican Senate candidate Ken Paxton in Texas.

MAGA Inc. has disclosed roughly $10 million in advertising buys backing Paxton as he faces Democrat James Talarico in a closely watched Senate contest.

The spending marks an early and significant investment by Trump’s political operation in a race that could have broader implications for control of the U.S. Senate.

According to CNN, MAGA Inc. had more than $400 million in cash on hand at the end of July, giving the group substantial financial resources heading into the midterm campaign.

Trump also signaled that his political operation could spend heavily during the election cycle.

Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office on Friday, Trump said he was prepared to deploy as much as $500 million in outside political spending.

“We’re going to spend a lot of money because we don’t want to lose our country,” Trump said.

One of MAGA Inc.’s first advertisements supporting Paxton focuses on the cost of living and taxes, portraying the Republican candidate as a champion of lower tax bills for Texans.

The advertisement also attacks Talarico, accusing the Democratic candidate of supporting policies that would increase the financial burden on residents.

MAGA Inc. spokesman Alex Pfeiffer said the group would work to make Texas voters aware of what it described as Talarico’s “radical policies” while promoting Paxton’s candidacy.

Talarico’s campaign rejected the accusations, arguing that the claims being made against the Democrat were misleading.

Campaign spokesperson JT Ennis said billionaire-backed political groups were attempting to undermine Talarico because of the growing strength of his campaign.

Ennis also pointed to Talarico’s voting record on property taxes, saying he supported what the campaign described as the largest property tax reduction in Texas history.

The latest spending comes as another super PAC aligned with billionaire Elon Musk is also putting money into the Texas Senate contest, adding to the growing financial activity surrounding the race.

The influx of outside spending could significantly shape the campaign, particularly as both parties prepare for a highly competitive battle for Senate control.

Democrats currently face a difficult path to reclaiming the chamber and would need to gain four seats to secure a majority.

The Texas contest is therefore emerging as one of the races that could help determine the balance of power in Washington following the 2026 elections.

The spending comes just days before Texas Republicans are scheduled to gather for a midterm convention designed to energize the party’s voter base ahead of the election.

Trump’s support for Paxton also carries particular significance because the former president intervened in the Republican primary earlier this year.

Trump backed Paxton over incumbent Republican Sen. John Cornyn, helping shape the direction of the Republican nomination contest.

Paxton enters the general election with a lengthy political record and a history of controversies that Democrats are expected to emphasize throughout the campaign.

In 2023, the Texas House voted to impeach Paxton over allegations involving bribery, corruption and abuse of office. He was subsequently acquitted by the Texas Senate.

Those controversies could present a challenge for Republicans seeking to make Paxton more appealing to voters in a general election.

Talarico’s campaign has already begun targeting Paxton over his political record and corruption-related allegations.

Last month, Talarico released his first negative advertisement against Paxton, signaling that the race is likely to become increasingly aggressive as Election Day approaches.

The latest investment by MAGA Inc. could give Paxton a major financial advantage in the advertising battle while allowing Trump’s political network to play a direct role in shaping the race.

Republican campaign organizations that previously supported Cornyn during the primary have also been looking to MAGA Inc. to take a leading role in supporting Paxton during the general election.

With millions of dollars now entering the contest, the Texas Senate race is poised to become one of the most closely monitored political battles of the 2026 midterms.