Texas Senate Race Expected to Cost $200 Million

Sen. Ted Cruz says the Texas race for the other U.S. Senate seat between Ken Paxton and James Talarico will be a $200 million fight, following Paxton’s rough primary and a bruising campaign landscape. Polls have shown the race teetering toward a toss-up, with Abbott stressing the November choice as a clear contrast between Paxton and Talarico. Paxton won the Republican nomination over John Cornyn in a costly primary, while Talarico secured the Democratic nomination without a runoff, setting up a high-stakes general election. Cruz plans to campaign with Paxton and deploy his PAC to shore up support, amid expectations of substantial spending on both sides and one of the costliest Senate contests in the country. A parallel push involves a $1.7 million ad buy from Cruz highlighting Talarico’s record, reflecting Republican fundraising advantages and Trump-era backing in a race where Democrats have fewer resources. The race’s high fundraising bar and nationwide attention underscore broader national dynamics as Republicans seek to defend a pivotal seat.