Talarico Raises Nearly $60 Million in Third Quarter

Texas Democrat James Talarico's Senate campaign posted the strongest third-quarter haul by a Texas U.S. Senate candidate in recent history.

Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Philanthropy

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a domed state capitol silhouette in deep red and cream, evoking the Texas Senate race. — James Talarico raised nearly $60 million between July 1 and Sept. 30, the strongest third-quarter haul by a Texas U.S. Senate candidate in recent history. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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James Talarico's principal campaign committee raised almost $60 million between July 1 and Sept. 30, while Ken Paxton received $10 million in donations for the same period. Talarico's total beat Beto O'Rourke's record Texas Democratic third-quarter haul by almost $10 million.

Why it matters

The fundraising gap reflects how heavily outside money is shaping the Texas Senate race, where Sen. John Cornyn and Sen. Ted Cruz have held off Democratic challengers despite trailing financially. Super PACs supporting Paxton spent at least $56 million on advertising in the weeks after the GOP convention.

Talarico's almost $60 million third-quarter total compares with Paxton's $10 million, and O'Rourke's inflation-adjusted record was just shy of $50 million. Outside super PAC spending for Paxton reached at least $56 million, with Texas PAC alone spending over $100 million on October ads.

The players

James Talarico

Talarico is the Democratic U.S. Senate candidate in Texas whose campaign posted the largest third-quarter haul by a Texas Senate candidate in recent history.

Ken Paxton

Paxton is the Republican U.S. Senate candidate in Texas who received $10 million in donations and benefited from millions in super PAC advertising.

Texas PAC

Texas PAC is an Austin-based super PAC that spent over $100 million on advertising in October supporting Paxton's Senate bid.

MAGA Inc.

MAGA Inc. is a super PAC that spent heavily advertising in support of Paxton after the GOP convention.

The details

Talarico's principal campaign committee reported the fundraising for the period from July 1 through Sept. 30. Super PACs, including MAGA Inc. and the Austin-based Texas PAC, spent heavily advertising for Paxton, with Texas PAC's October spending exceeding $100 million.

July 1 to Sept. 30, 2026: third-quarter fundraising period for Talarico and Paxton.
Weeks after the GOP convention: super PAC advertising supporting Paxton ramped up to at least $56 million.
October 2026: Texas PAC ad spending exceeded $100 million.

Market Landscape

Talarico's third-quarter total surpasses Beto O'Rourke's record Texas Democratic haul by almost $10 million, setting a new benchmark for Democratic Senate fundraising in the state. The fundraising race sits alongside heavy outside spending, with super PACs and Texas PAC pouring money into the contest.

Texas voters are seeing record campaign spending that will shape the airwaves and mailboxes ahead of the election. Heavy super PAC advertising means the race is likely to remain saturated with political messaging through Election Day.

The takeaway

Campaign fundraising totals offer a clear read on candidate momentum, but outside spending often matters just as much in determining what voters see. Readers can compare candidates' reported filings directly to separate grassroots support from super PAC influence.