Trump’s first major midterm money move: A $10M Texas Senate ad blitz

President Donald Trump’s political operation is making its first major investment in a high-profile 2026 general election contest, with MAGA, Inc. spending $10 million on television and digital ads in the Texas U.S. Senate race. The spending underscores how a seat once considered safely Republican has become more competitive with Democratic state Rep. James Talarico challenging Republican nominee Ken Paxton, the Texas attorney general. Trump endorsed Paxton in the Republican primary, helping him defeat incumbent Sen. John Cornyn.

The ads focus heavily on taxes and the cost of living. MAGA, Inc. portrays Talarico as supporting broad tax increases, pointing to his support for higher taxes on wealthier households, while presenting Paxton as favoring tax relief for families and first-time homebuyers. Talarico’s campaign disputes that characterization, arguing that he has supported substantial property-tax reductions and lower taxes for working Texans.

The spending comes as Republicans face a difficult midterm environment shaped by voter concerns over inflation, the economy and the Iran war. Democrats hope to gain control of both chambers of Congress, and the competitiveness of a Texas Senate race could indicate a broader shift in the political landscape.

MAGA, Inc. reportedly has at least $400 million available for the midterms, and Republican candidates have been pressing Trump to deploy more of that money. Trump said he intends to spend what he considers necessary to help Republican candidates, while emphasizing that MAGA, Inc.’s funds are separate from those controlled by the Republican National Committee. He also indicated that some of the money could be held for the 2028 elections.

The Texas investment therefore represents more than an advertising campaign for Paxton: it is the first major indication of where Trump intends to use his large political war chest in the battle for control of Congress this November.

Author: Josh Boak, The Associated Press. AP national political reporter Jill Colvin contributed to the report.