Trump-backed PAC files for $10m Texas Senate advertising campaign

MAGA, Inc, a super PAC associated with US President Donald Trump, has filed with the Federal Election Commission to spend $10m on television and digital advertising in the Texas Senate race ahead of the US midterm elections.

The filing, reported by Al Jazeera Global News, marks the group’s first major general-election expenditure in the contest. MAGA, Inc supports Republican candidate Ken Paxton, who is running against Democratic state representative James Talarico.

The advertisements are expected to focus on tax policy and portray Mr Talarico as out of touch with Texans. Their final content, placement and schedule have not been confirmed, and the filing does not establish that the full amount will be spent.

MAGA, Inc spokesperson Alex Pfeiffer said the group would argue that Mr Talarico’s policies would raise costs for Texans. Mr Talarico’s campaign, through spokesperson JT Ennis, accused outside groups of misrepresenting his record and said he had supported tax cuts for working Texans.

The contest is taking place in a state where Democrats have not won a statewide office in more than three decades. Democrats are nevertheless seeking gains amid concerns about Mr Trump’s popularity and the cost of living.

Mr Paxton secured the Republican nomination after receiving Mr Trump’s endorsement and defeating incumbent Senator John Cornyn in the party primary. Republicans currently hold slim majorities in both chambers of Congress, making the race part of a broader contest over the legislative agenda during Mr Trump’s final two years as president.

Mr Trump has said he plans to allocate between $400m and $500m from MAGA, Inc to support Republican candidates in the midterms, although that money has not been presented as already spent or distributed.