Paxton’s 2026 Senate campaign: no debate, a dark-money complaint and an AI ad that took his opponent’s words out of context

What happened

Paxton entered the race in April 2025 to challenge Sen. John Cornyn. ⁰¹ No candidate won a majority in the March 3, 2026 Republican primary, and Paxton defeated Cornyn in the May 26 runoff. He faces Democrat James Talarico on Nov. 3, 2026. ^{02 04}

Senate Leadership Fund, the super PAC aligned with Senate Republican leaders, backed Sen. John Cornyn in the primary over concerns about Paxton’s legal and ethical record, then committed tens of millions of dollars to Paxton for the general election. ⁰⁸ As of mid-September, Paxton’s own campaign had spent about $465,000 on ads, while outside groups had spent $98.5 million. ⁰⁹

In July, Paxton’s campaign said “of course” he would debate Talarico. As of Sept. 24, he had not committed to any debate. ¹⁰ NBC News reported that he is relying on paid advertising and avoiding direct confrontation. ¹¹

The Houston Chronicle reported that Paxton rarely holds public events or takes press questions; at a July 21 press conference he refused to answer questions about his voter registration and real estate. ¹³

FactCheck.org found that a Paxton ad using an AI-generated likeness of Talarico left out context from his remarks and stitched separate statements together; the only acknowledgment of AI is small disclaimer text. ¹²

Preserve Texas Inc., a Virginia nonprofit that does not disclose its donors and was formed shortly after Paxton launched his Senate bid, gave $950,000 to Lone Star Liberty, the main pro-Paxton super PAC. ¹⁴ CBS News reported the nonprofit was incorporated by Paxton’s campaign treasurer. On Sept. 2, 2026, Talarico’s campaign filed a Federal Election Commission complaint alleging the arrangement violated federal law. ⁰⁵

PolitiFact rated False a claim in an ad from Texas PAC, a super PAC backing Paxton, about his opponent’s record. ¹⁵

Why it matters

Voters are being asked to elect Paxton without hearing him answer questions in a debate, while outside groups fund almost all of the advertising on his behalf. ^{09 10}

Paxton remains the state’s attorney general, with its investigative and lawsuit powers, while running for federal office. ⁰⁴

What the sources show

Race dates and results come from KUT/NPR, PBS and Texas Tribune reporting. ^{02 04 07} The FEC complaint is an allegation filed by the opposing campaign; the FEC has not ruled on it. ⁰⁵