Political action committee ads supporting Republican Ken Paxton in the Texas U.S. Senate race aired during NFL games broadcast in multiple states on Sunday, October 4. The ads appeared during Eagles-Rams and Bears-Jets games in Philadelphia, Chicago, Iowa, and Virginia, among other locations.
Where
Statewide
When
Oct. 4, 2026
Sources
Reported by 3 outlets
Taxes and money
The sources don't state an effect on taxes. They do state these figures.
Political spending in Texas Senate racemore than $200 million2Who pays or receives it: Political action committees
Political action committee investment in racemore than $125 million1Who pays or receives it: Political action committee
Who's involved
Ken PaxtonRepublican candidate in Texas U.S. Senate race
James TalaricoDemocratic candidate in Texas U.S. Senate race
Michael HagenAssociate professor of political science at Temple University
Political action committeesFunded and aired ads supporting Paxton
The facts
At least three ads supporting Paxton aired during Eagles-Rams game on Fox29.1
One ad featuring Paxton's estranged wife aired nationally, appearing in Virginia.1
Texas has 20 different media markets requiring separate ad purchases.2
Political groups used national ad buys instead of individual market purchases.2
NFL accounted for 83 of top 100 most-watched television programs in 2025.2
Who said what
These are statements and claims made by the people involved. They are reported, not verified.
Michael Hagen, Temple University Ads aimed at non-Texas voters are targeted at soliciting donations and fundraising.1
Michael Hagen, Temple University Texas Senate race is much more competitive question mark than expected.1
Polling data cited in source Paxton is trailing Democratic opponent James Talarico.1
Michael Hagen, Temple University Spending level is indication of massive money in Senate races nationwide.1
Where the sources disagree
Total spending in Texas Senate race to date more than $125 million per [1]; more than $200 million per [2]
How they headlined it
The same event, as each outlet put it. Marked words appear in only one outlet's headline.
Why were there Texas U.S. Senate race ads during the Eagles game?
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