What Happened?

Wondering who is footing the bill for the attack ads in the Texas Senate race? A Democratic-affiliated super PAC, Texas Forever, has reported $5.85 million in spending opposing Republican Ken Paxton in the Texas U.S. Senate race, one of the most watched and contested races of this year's midterms. ​

Texas Forever is affiliated with Senate Majority PAC, the main outside-spending organization for Senate Democrats.

Why Does it Matter to Me?

The group's ads are digital advertisements, and Gambit Strategies handled their placement and production. Paxton, the Texas attorney general and Republican Senate nominee, defeated incumbent Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) in the May 26 Republican runoff, and now faces Democratic nominee and state Rep. James Talarico (D-TX), who won the March 3 Democratic primary.

Both Sides, Now

Senate Majority PAC confirmed its relationship with Texas Forever in a Sept. 29 announcement of the group's first ad, which targeted Paxton's handling of a child sexual-abuse case during his time as attorney general. The ad criticized a plea agreement Paxton's office offered to Adam Hoffman, who had been charged with continuous sexual abuse of a child.

The Texas Tribune reported in May 2026 that the proposed agreement would have let Hoffman plead guilty to misdemeanors, serve one day in jail, and avoid sex-offender registration, drawing public criticism of Paxton's office. The ad also highlighted a connection between Hoffman's attorney and a donor who contributed $25,000 to Paxton, alleging the attorney represented that donor.

Texas Forever's $5.85 million is a fraction of the total outside money in the race: Texas PAC has reportedly spent $78.73 million opposing Talarico and $69.59 million supporting Paxton, while MAGA Inc. has reportedly spent $22.5 million opposing Talarico and $7.5 million supporting Paxton.

What Happens Next?

Between Oct. 5 and Oct. 9, Texas Forever reported five transactions totaling about $3.74 million, all paid to Gambit Strategies to oppose Paxton. All spending flows through the FEC filing, updated as new transactions are reported.

The general election is scheduled for Nov. 3. Whether Texas Forever adds to its total before polls close will be visible in those rapid-disclosure filings at the Texas Senate race tracker.

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