State Sen. Angela Paxton released a television advertisement urging voters to support the entire Republican ticket in the November general election. In the 30-second ad, she did not mention her estranged husband, Attorney General Ken Paxton, by name but expressed support for keeping Republican seats in GOP control.
Where
Statewide
When
Oct. 3, 2026
Sources
Reported by 15 outlets
Taxes and money
The sources don't state an effect on taxes. They do state these figures.
TV ad spending by Texas PACover $126 million to over $130 million13Who pays or receives it: Texas PAC (super PAC affiliated with Senate GOP leadership)
Who's involved
Angela PaxtonTexas state senator, R-McKinney
Ken PaxtonTexas Attorney General and Republican Senate nominee
James TalaricoDemocratic nominee for U.S. Senate
Texas PACSuper PAC affiliated with Senate GOP leadership that funded the advertisement
The facts
Angela Paxton filed for divorce in 2025 after 38 years of marriage, citing adultery.135Stated by 3 sources
Ken Paxton was impeached by the Texas House in 2023 and acquitted by the Texas Senate.13Stated by 2 sources
Early voting begins Oct. 19 and Election Day is Nov. 3.3
Republicans have not lost a statewide election in Texas in over three decades.1
Angela Paxton previously spoke to the Texas Federation of Republican Women urging support for the Republican ticket.135Stated by 3 sources
Who said what
These are statements and claims made by the people involved. They are reported, not verified.
Angela Paxton In a general election, it's about getting the whole team across the finish line.135
Angela Paxton Either we hold every Republican seat, or we hand the future of Texas to the other team.135
Most public polling Talarico holds a narrow lead in the race within the margin of error.1
Where the sources disagree
Total spending by Texas PAC on Ken Paxton's campaign over $126 million per [1]; more than $130 million per [3]
How they headlined it
The same event, as each outlet put it. Marked words appear in only one outlet's headline.
Paxton’s estranged wife backs Texas GOP ticket in new ad
These outlets were found through Google News headlines. Google decides which outlets appear there, and they lean mostly one way, so this sheet can only be as balanced as the reporting it was built from. Leanings are AllSides Media Bias Ratings.
Gina Hinojosa, the Democratic nominee for Texas governor, was interviewed about her campaign. She is running to secure schools and put money in voters' pockets, and is challenging Republican incumbent Greg Abbott.
Two Texas county judge races are scheduled for the Nov. 3 election. In Bexar County, Republican Patrick Von Dohlen is challenging Democrat Ron Nirenberg. In Brazoria County, Republican Rob Giesecke, independent Lucinda Henry and Democrat Eugene Howard are running to replace retiring County Judge Matt Sebesta.
Patrick Von Dohlen, Republican candidate for Bexar County judge; Ron Nirenberg, Democrat candidate for Bexar County judge; Rob Giesecke, Republican candidate for Brazoria County judge and 3 more
County clerks and election administrators across Texas are implementing security procedures before early voting begins October 19. Travis County plans 201 voting locations on Election Day. Multiple counties conducted security training for poll workers.
Travis County Clerk Dyana Limon-Mercado, Travis County Clerk; Bexar County Elections Administrator Michele Carew, Bexar County Elections Administrator; Dallas County Elections Administrator Paul Adams, Dallas County Elections Administrator and 2 more
Democratic and Republican candidates released third-quarter campaign fundraising reports for the 2026 midterm elections. Democrat James Talarico's Texas Senate campaign raised $60 million between July and September, while Republican Ken Paxton's campaign raised about $10 million in the same period. Elon Musk's super PAC has heavily backed Paxton's campaign.
$$60 million for campaign funds raised, third quarter 2026
James Talarico, Democrat candidate for Texas Senate; Ken Paxton, Republican candidate for Texas Senate; Elon Musk, Tech billionaire and super PAC backer of Republican candidates
Elon Musk donated $158 million to the Senate Leadership Fund in September 2026, which transferred the money to Texas PAC to finance advertising supporting Republican Ken Paxton in his Senate race against Democrat James Talarico.
$$158 million for donation to Senate Leadership Fund
Elon Musk, Donor; Ken Paxton, Republican Senate candidate; James Talarico, Democratic Senate candidate and 3 more
Mike Garcia, a former college classmate of Democratic Texas Senate candidate James Talarico, appeared on Fox News to accuse Talarico of putting political ambitions ahead of truthfulness.
James Talarico, Democratic Texas Senate candidate; Mike Garcia, former college classmate making accusation; Will Cain, Fox News host
Democratic U.S. Senate candidate James Talarico announced a campaign rally in El Paso on October 26 from 6 to 8 p.m., with doors opening at 5 p.m. The event is part of his "Clear Eyes, Full Hearts" statewide tour ahead of the November 3 election.
James Talarico, Democratic U.S. Senate candidate; Ken Paxton, Republican U.S. Senate candidate, Texas Attorney General
Organizers of the "No Kings" movement held a gathering in Dallas to encourage early voting. The event included speakers, music, community activities, voting information, and election volunteer opportunities.
Indivisible Dallas, organizer of Dallas gathering; Black Voters Matter Texas, participating organization