Former President Barack Obama raised over $13 million for Democratic candidates ahead of the 2026 midterm elections through finance events and direct mail campaigns. Obama noted that polling shows James Talarico leading Ken Paxton in the Texas Senate race.
Where
Nationwide; Texas Senate race mentioned
When
Oct. 8, 2026 (reported Oct. 9, 2026)
Sources
One outlet
Taxes and money
The sources don't state an effect on taxes. They do state these figures.
Funds raised for Democratic candidatesover $13.6 million123
Who's involved
Barack Obamaformer President, fundraiser for Democratic candidates
Ken MartinDemocratic National Committee Chairman
James TalaricoDemocratic candidate in Texas Senate race
Ken PaxtonRepublican candidate in Texas Senate race
Donald TrumpPresident
The facts
Obama raised over $13.6 million for Democrats via finance events and direct mail.123Stated by 3 sources
Obama said polling shows James Talarico ahead of Ken Paxton in Texas Senate race.123Stated by 3 sources
The 2026 midterms are less than a month away as of Oct. 9, 2026.123Stated by 3 sources
Trump called for both Paxton and Talarico to debate before the election.123Stated by 3 sources
Who said what
These are statements and claims made by the people involved. They are reported, not verified.
Ken Martin, DNC Chairman Obama's support will motivate and mobilize voters and help Democrats win.123
Barack Obama States right now in play that I would not have imagined being in play.123
Barack Obama James Talarico is an outstanding candidate.123
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.
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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
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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
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Indivisible Dallas, organizer of Dallas gathering; Black Voters Matter Texas, participating organization