POLITICS

Talarico Sets Record Fundraising in Texas Senate

PUBLISHED Oct 15, 2026, 1:04 PM ET

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Talarico Sets Record Fundraising in Texas Senate

James Talarico, the Democratic candidate for Texas Senate, announced a record‑breaking $sixty‑four million raised in the third quarter, surpassing every Senate candidate’s haul in history. This brings his total fundraising to one hundred thirty‑four million since he launched his campaign in September of two thousand twenty‑five. The Republican challenger, Attorney General Ken Paxton, reported $eighteen million in the same period, a fraction of Talarico’s total. 2020’s Jaime Harrison set a $fifty‑seven million record in South Carolina, while Beto O’Rourke raised $thirty‑eight million in 2018 for a Texas Senate bid. Early polls now show Talarico with a modest lead over Paxton, as the race intensifies ahead of early voting on Monday. The campaign’s financial surge comes amid a broader Democratic fundraising surge in Texas, a state that has not elected a Senate Democrat since 1988.

By Claire D. | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

2018 — Beto O’Rourke raised $thirty‑eight million in Texas Senate race
On September 1 2025 James Talarico announced Senate candidacy in Texas.
On October 15 2026 Talarico raises $sixty‑four million in third quarter.

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