State Rep. James Talarico raised more than $30 million in the second quarter for his U.S. Senate campaign, his team announced Wednesday. The Austin Democrat's haul more than tripled what Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton brought in during the same period.
Talarico's campaign said the total is a record for a U.S. Senate candidate in the second quarter of an election year. It brings his overall fundraising since launching his bid last September to more than $70 million from over 1.5 million donations, including 780,000 individual contributors. Campaign officials noted that 97% of donations were $100 or less, with teachers the most common profession among donors. Talarico has sworn off corporate PAC contributions.
Paxton's campaign reported raising over $9 million in the second quarter, describing it as a personal best and the largest amount announced by any non-incumbent Senate GOP candidate this cycle. Both campaigns have not yet filed their official second-quarter reports, due July 15 to the Federal Election Commission.
The fundraising edge boosts Democratic hopes that Talarico could flip the seat blue for the first time since 1988. Recent public polling shows the race essentially tied.
However, a recent Supreme Court ruling may allow Paxton to coordinate spending with national GOP resources, potentially offsetting Talarico's advantage.
LISTEN on the Audacy App
Tell your Smart Speaker to "PLAY 1080 KRLD"
Sign Up to receive our KRLD Insider Newsletter for more news
Follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube
