Paxton allies launch $15 million ad campaign
The new ads will highlight Paxton’s record as attorney general and attack James Talarico as weak on China.
Allies of Texas Republican Senate contender Ken Paxton are gearing up to spend $15 million on a series of ads, marking their first substantial television advertising push as they face off against Democrat James Talarico in a close contest. The two new commercials, airing across 18 Texas markets over the next fortnight, aim to counter Talarico's financial advantage and Paxton's questionable electability.
One ad showcases Paxton's achievements as attorney general, highlighting Texas' agreement with Kellogg's to eliminate specific food dyes from cereals and the billion-dollar settlements the state reached with Meta and Google over privacy and safety issues. In another ad, the campaign accuses Talarico of facilitating China's expansion to the detriment of Texas residents, pointing to Talarico's opposition to limits on Chinese investments and his support for a land deal for a Chinese billionaire near Laughlin Air Force Base.
Talarico's team has yet to comment on the accusations. This multimillion-dollar barrage of ads comes as Republicans seek to counter Talarico's $21.5 million war chest, which far exceeds Paxton's $1.8 million reserves. Talarico, who has spent $39 million on TV since the March primary, has a significant lead in the general election messaging war, with a recent poll showing him leading Paxton with 48 percent to 42 percent support.
Some Republicans have called on President Donald Trump to inject more of his $400 million MAGA Inc. war chest into the Texas race, given Paxton's potential defeat.
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