Texas GOP Attorney General Ken Paxton reported raising $18 million for his Senate campaign in the third quarter of 2026, a much needed cash infusion in the home stretch of his neck-neck race with Democratic nominee James Talarico.

Paxton unseated incumbent Sen. John Cornyn in the party primary, with the support of President Donald Trump. Polling shows a close race in the November general contest, sparking worries from Republicans that they could lose the traditionally red state. But Paxton's team sounded an optimistic tone on the report.

“Republicans from all corners of Texas have given to the campaign because they know what’s at stake,” Paxton campaign senior adviser Nick Maddux told The Hill.

Paxton has also received direct support from Trump's own PAC and the president campaigned for him while in Dallas for the GOP's midterm convention.

Paxton reportedly raised about 11.2 million in the first two quarters, compared to roughly 57 million for Talarico during the same period. 

Talarico leads by 2.8 points, according to the RealClearPolitics polling average.

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