Overview
- The Republican National Committee confirmed a Houston fundraiser for Ken Paxton on Aug. 27 that President Donald Trump will headline to raise money for the campaign.
- Paxton entered the general election period cash‑strapped after a costly primary and runoff and is trailing Democrat James Talarico by roughly $59 million in reported fundraising.
- The invitation shows very high host‑committee prices and paid photo packages, a tactic meant to generate millions and to show big donors national backing.
- Leading Republican outside groups have large cash reserves—Senate Leadership Fund and MAGA Inc. reported hundreds of millions on hand—but neither has yet committed major ad buys in Texas.
- The race is polling narrowly and remains competitive, and Paxton's past legal cases and his 2023 impeachment have kept some traditional GOP donors hesitant, making late money and outside spending decisive.