President Donald Trump (R) plans to headline an August 27 Republican National Committee fundraiser in Houston as Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton (R-Texas) works to close a nearly $20 million principal-campaign-committee cash gap against state Rep. James Talarico (D-District 50).
President Trump’s visit is “focused on ensuring Paxton has the funds he needs to win the midterms” after Attorney General Paxton spent much of his campaign reserve defeating U.S. Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas), MS NOW White House associate producer Emily Hung reported Tuesday, citing a source familiar with the plans.
The event will benefit the RNC rather than Attorney General Paxton’s campaign committee. The Supreme Court ruled on June 30 that federal limits on coordinated party spending violate the First Amendment, allowing the RNC to coordinate campaign activity with its nominees.
Trump opens access to major Republican resources
The RNC reported $128.5 million in cash and no debt through June 30, compared with $16.3 million in cash and $18.5 million in debt for the DNC. Trump-aligned MAGA Inc. held $400.6 million. MAGA Inc. may independently spend unlimited amounts supporting Attorney General Paxton but cannot coordinate with his campaign. Neither the RNC nor MAGA Inc. has announced a Texas spending commitment.
President Trump endorsed Attorney General Paxton after early voting began in the Republican runoff, as The Dallas Express previously reported. Attorney General Paxton defeated Sen. Cornyn 63.8% to 36.2% despite a massive spending advantage for Sen. Cornyn and allied groups.
Paxton remains competitive after costly Republican fight
Rep. Talarico secured the Democratic nomination on March 3, while Attorney General Paxton remained in the Republican contest until May 26.
Attorney General Paxton’s principal campaign committee reported $1.76 million on hand through June 30, compared with $21.55 million for Rep. Talarico’s committee, Federal Election Commission records show. The figures exclude money controlled by allied groups.
“We’re trying to get help from all over the country,” Attorney General Paxton said during an August 9 appearance on Fox News. President Trump’s planned Houston trip follows that appeal.
Attorney General Paxton led Rep. Talarico 47% to 46% among likely voters in an Emerson College Polling/Nexstar survey, within its 3-point credibility interval.
Prediction markets split Wednesday. Kalshi, with $9.13 million traded, favored Attorney General Paxton 51% to 49%. Polymarket, with $843,500 traded, favored Rep. Talarico 52% to 49%. Prices reflect trading activity, not voter surveys.
Provided by Dallas Express
