Talarico claims he raised $3M after Paxton runoff victory

Texas Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico on Thursday announced that he had raised more than $3 million since the Tuesday runoff that saw Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton become the Republican nominee.

Paxton successfully defeated Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, after securing President Donald Trump's endorsement. His victory marked an end to Cornyn's six-term stint in the upper chamber and positioned Paxton to face Talarico in November, though the contest is expected to be competitive.

“In just 24 hours, working people from every corner of Texas have come together to shatter grassroots fundraising records and send a message that Texas deserves better than corrupt Ken Paxton,” Talarico announced, according to The Hill.

Talarico is expected to present a formidable challenger to Paxton, despite the Lone Star State's typically red leaning. Though President Donald Trump won the state by double digits in 2024, prior cycles have seen the state post narrower margins.

Paxton, for his part, has faced a litany of scandals, including an impeachment trial.

Ben Whedon is the Chief Political Correspondent for Just the News. Follow him on X.