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Trump’s teasing is the price Paxton had to pay to use Republican midterm convention to raise money
Trump’s support helped steer $24.4 million in super PAC spending toward Paxton, as Republicans warn his campaign still trails Democrat James Talarico by $59 million.
On Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026, President Donald Trump helped raise funds for Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton at the Republican convention in Dallas, despite publicly mocking Paxton's appearance and interview style.
James Talarico holds an overwhelming fundraising advantage, having raised $68 million compared to Paxton's $9 million, prompting Senate Republican leaders to petition Trump for financial intervention .
The Senate Leadership Fund committed $13.8 million on Friday to boost Paxton, while MAGA Inc. announced a $10 million spend last week; South Dakota Sen. John Thune held a fundraiser Thursday morning .
Paxton, a conservative legal warrior who challenged President Joe Biden's policies, has faced years of investigations; the Republican-led Texas House impeached him, but the Senate acquitted him .
This race serves as a significant political test for Trump and is crucial for Republican efforts to maintain control of the Senate; if Paxton loses, Texas would send its first Democrat to the Senate since 1988 .