MAGA, Inc. Allocates $10 Million for Texas Senate Race Ads

BRIDGEWATER, N.J. (AP) — The political group associated with President Donald Trump is spending $10 million on television and digital advertisements in the Texas Senate race, according to a Saturday filing with the Federal Election Commission. This marks the first significant spending in a general election contest by MAGA, Inc., indicating that a traditionally Republican seat in Texas may be competitive for Democrats due to the candidacy of James Talarico, a 37-year-old state representative. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is the Republican nominee in the race, having received Trump's endorsement to defeat the incumbent, Sen. John Cornyn, in a May primary runoff election. Public disapproval of Trump regarding the economy and the Iran war has posed challenges for many Republican candidates. Historically, voters tend to favor the opposing party in midterm elections, and Democrats are aiming to gain control of the House and Senate, with Texas serving as a significant indicator of potential shifts in the political landscape this year. The advertisements aim to emphasize taxes as a key issue, particularly as many voters express concerns about ongoing inflation. Talarico has supported higher taxes on wealthier households, while the ads portray him as advocating for broader tax increases, contrasting with claims that Paxton would provide tax breaks to first-time homebuyers and families with children. The legislation signed into law by Trump last year extended many of his expiring tax breaks from the 2017 overhaul, although it also increased budget deficits, contributing to higher interest rates on the national debt. Trump has also raised tariffs on imports to generate revenue. Alex Pfeiffer, a spokesman for MAGA, Inc., stated, “High Tax Talarico wants to take money out of Texans’ pockets. MAGA Inc. is going to ensure Texas knows about Talarico’s radical policies and elects Ken Paxton to the U.S. Senate.” Talarico's campaign spokesperson, JT Ennis, countered the ads' assertions, claiming that billionaire-backed groups are misrepresenting Talarico's positions out of fear of the grassroots movement he is building. Ennis noted that Talarico voted for the largest property tax cut in Texas history and has consistently supported tax cuts for working Texans. MAGA, Inc. reportedly has at least $400 million in campaign funds available for GOP candidates. Trump indicated his willingness to spend whatever amount necessary to support Republican efforts, stating, “This is my money,” and noted that it is separate from funds controlled by the Republican National Committee. He also mentioned the possibility of holding some funds for the 2028 elections. Despite Paxton's public scandals, Trump has endorsed him, acknowledging that Paxton may not be the most appealing candidate on television. Trump remarked, “It’s so insulting to him, but I might as well say it: You might not like the way he looks, you might not love his look, you might not love his television interviews, but he was the best attorney general in the country, perhaps.” Republicans in battleground states have been urging Trump to utilize his substantial campaign funds. James Blair, who manages the president’s midterm political operation, attempted to alleviate concerns about the timing of fund deployment, assuring that Republicans would ultimately be satisfied with the support they receive.