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Trump endorses Ken Paxton as Texas Senate race intensifies

The Hill reports that Donald Trump backed Ken Paxton for the Senate while opponent James Talarico holds a major fundraising lead.

The short version

  • Donald Trump called on Republican convention attendees to back Ken Paxton for the U.S. Senate in Texas.[The Hill]
  • Federal election filings through June show Democrat James Talarico raised $66 million compared to $9 million raised by Paxton.[The Hill]
  • Paxton accused Talarico of backing sweeping tax hikes, while Talarico stated he only seeks higher taxes on the top 1% alongside middle-class cuts.[The Hill]

Key facts

  • Donald Trump asked attendees at the Republican midterm convention in Dallas to support Ken Paxton's Texas senatorial campaign.[The Hill]
  • Federal Election Commission records through late June showed James Talarico raised roughly $66 million, while Ken Paxton raised around $9 million.[The Hill]
  • Ken Paxton introduced his Protecting the Texas Promise platform, proposing economic relief and tax deductions for homebuyers and healthcare.[The Hill]
  • Ken Paxton claimed James Talarico is a democratic socialist who supports widespread tax increases.[The Hill]
  • James Talarico disputed Paxton's characterization, asserting he only advocates raising taxes on the wealthiest 1% while lowering them for middle- and working-class Texans.[The Hill]
  • Governor Greg Abbott's campaign took 189 days following the March 3 primary to mention Democratic nominee Gina Hinojosa by name.[The Hill]

What remains uncertain

  • Whether Ken Paxton can close the significant fundraising deficit with James Talarico before the election remains unclear.[The Hill]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.