Ted Cruz estimates Texas Senate race costs at $200 million

Senator Ted Cruz stated on Monday that the upcoming Texas Senate race will require approximately $200 million in funding. Cruz made these comments during an interview on 'CBS Mornings,' discussing the competition between state Attorney General Ken Paxton and state Representative James Talarico. Cruz expressed confidence in the Republican candidate, Paxton, who recently won the GOP primary runoff against incumbent Senator John Cornyn. Cruz noted that the primary was the most expensive in history and indicated that the general election is expected to be similarly costly, potentially influencing Senate control. Currently, Republicans hold 53 seats in the Senate, while Democrats aim to flip four seats to gain a majority. Cruz described Talarico as an extreme candidate, suggesting that many voters are unaware of his record. The Cook Political Report has recently changed its rating of the race from leaning Republican to a toss-up.