The Texas Senate race is tightening, with polls showing a near-tie between Democrat James Talarico and Republican Ken Paxton as Paxton seeks the first statewide Democratic victory in more than 30 years, aided by Trump-backed television advertising.

Paxton, who unseated incumbent John Cornyn in the Republican primary with Donald Trump’s backing, remains the target of heavy outside GOP spending as the election nears.

GOP-aligned fundraising has surged, with receipts surpassing $140 million from groups like the Senate Leadership Fund Texas PAC, Lone Star Liberty PAC, and MAGA Inc., aimed at countering Paxton.

Paxton and allies deny impeachment fallout, framing it as a political witch hunt, while his endorser Maxwell is portrayed by Paxton supporters as discredited.

The broader landscape shows Republicans pulling back in some states, making Paxton’s high-spending, high-stakes Texas race a focal point of party strategy.

Rogers, a Fort Worth-area rancher who previously challenged Paxton, is featured in ads and has drawn attention for Abbott’s and Paxton’s past endorsements of his opponent.

Overall, the race is highly competitive with Paxton facing fundraising challenges and a strategic GOP messaging effort aimed at Paxton’s fitness for higher office.

Talarico campaigns emphasize cross-party support and insider endorsements, joining forces with several Paxton impeachment figures to broaden the Republicans-for-Talarico coalition.

A pro-Talarico coalition, including former GOP lawmaker Glenn Rogers, rolls out a statewide ad push to sway voters away from Paxton via digital and streaming platforms as part of a multi-million-dollar effort.

The Paxton impeachment saga remains a backdrop: the 2023 House impeachment proceeded on charges of abusing office for a wealthy donor, then ended in acquittal by the Senate amid external pressure from Trump.

Outside spending continues to buoy Paxton’s campaign as the general election approaches, shaping the dynamics of the Texas Senate fight.

Talarico frames his campaign as bringing fresh blood to the party, building one of Democrats’ most effective midterm fundraising operations while staying within reach of Paxton in polling.