Can a sudden multimillion-dollar ad blitz overcome a massive grassroots fundraising deficit in a fiercely contested statewide race?

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Not by itself. A sudden $10 million ad blitz can narrow the gap in a statewide race, but it is unlikely to fully erase a large grassroots fundraising deficit unless it changes the underlying dynamics of the contest. In Texas, James Talarico’s advantage is not just raw dollars. He has built a broad small-donor network, raised roughly $72 million since the start of 2025 compared with Ken Paxton’s roughly $16.8 million, and held far more cash on hand. That matters because grassroots money is usually a sign of sustained volunteer energy, repeat giving and message penetration, not just paid media. It also gives a campaign flexibility over time, especially in a state as expensive as Texas, where statewide television can cost millions per week. The MAGA Inc. buy is still significant. It helps Paxton answer a summer in which Talarico largely owned the airwaves, and it is especially useful on digital and connected TV, where outside groups can compete more evenly with campaigns. It may also reassure donors and signal that national allies are engaged. If followed by more spending from MAGA Inc. and other outside groups, it could materially reshape the information environment. But ads alone cannot fix every problem. Paxton remains tied to a long record of controversies, and polling shows a race that is either tied or gives Talarico a small edge, with independents and undecided voters central. In a close race, the blitz can matter a lot. Overcoming the broader grassroots deficit requires…

MAGA Inc. Commits $10 Million to Boost Ken Paxton as Republicans Brace for Midterm Losses

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MAGA Inc. Commits $10 Million to Boost Ken Paxton as Republicans Brace for Midterm Losses

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