Texas Dem James Talarico raises $600,000 in just 2 hours after Trump-endorsed Ken Paxton wins GOP runoff for Senate seat

Following Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s victory against incumbent Senator John Cornyn in Tuesday night’s Republican primary runoff, James Talarico, the Democrat candidate for the US Senate seat, raised hundreds of thousands of dollars in just two hours. 

Per Politico, Talarico raised $600,000 in the two hours following Paxton’s win. Internal polling shared with the outlet from a pro-Talarico PAC found that the Democrat candidate has a 7-point lead over Paxton, with 14 percent being undecided.

Speaking with the outlet, Talarico said he must aim to pull in Cornyn supporters to win in November. Following Cornyn’s concession in the election, Talarico thanked the longtime Republican senator and told Cornyn's supporters that "you have a place in our campaign." 

"I have a legislative record that I think has a lot to offer supporters of Senator Cornyn. Ken Paxton has a criminal record. I have a legislative record," Talarico told Politico. He stressed his history in the Texas House of Representatives reaching across the aisle "to cut property taxes and raise teacher pay and lower the cost of housing and child care and prescription drugs," and claimed that he would be willing to break with Democrats on issues that are important to Texas.

"I’ve called out the extremes in both parties, on the right and left, and as you know, called out President Biden for failing to secure our southern border. I’ve pushed back against national Democrats who want to hurt the Texas oil and gas industry and so I think that Texans are looking for a senator who is going to be independent, who’s not going to serve a political party, not going to serve any special interests or megadonors, but who’s going to serve people of Texas," he said. 

Trump had endorsed Paxton in the weeks leading up to the runoff election, writing that "Ken is a true MAGA Warrior who has ALWAYS delivered for Texas, and will continue to do so in the United States Senate." Trump wrote following Paxton’s victory, "Congratulations to Ken Paxton on such a tremendous win, and to John Cornyn for having run a strong and powerful race but, more importantly, having had a truly great career. John will remain my friend for a long time to come, as we both watch Ken become a fantastic, common sense Senator, one who is respected by all."

He continued regarding Talarico, "His opponent, Alfred E. Neuman, may be the worst TEXAS candidate I have ever seen. A strong Open Borders advocate, he is WEAK ON CRIME, believes there are 6 genders, is insulting to Jesus Christ, will never support the Military, was a big Mask Wearer until recently, and is a Vegan who dislikes meat, not exactly a good way to be if you’re wanting to win an Election in Texas. Jasmine Crockett, a very low IQ individual, who is no relation to the legendary frontiersman, Davy Crockett, would have been a far better choice for the Dumocrats. I will do some nice, big, beautiful rallies for Ken."