Texas Senate Primary Spending Hits Record $110M

Republican candidates dominate ad spending as early voting turnout rises

Feb. 25, 2026 at 6:37pm

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Texas has set a new record for the most expensive Senate primary in U.S. history, with a total of $110 million spent on campaign ads alone. Approximately $88 million has been spent on ads favoring Republican candidates, compared to just under $22 million for the two Democrats in the race. Sitting Sen. John Cornyn has led the pack in ad spending, with a total of $64 million spent on advertising supporting his re-election campaign.

Why it matters

The high level of spending in the Texas Senate primary race highlights the intense competition and high stakes involved. The outcome of this race could have significant implications for the balance of power in the U.S. Senate. Additionally, the surge in early voting turnout, particularly among Democrats, suggests heightened voter engagement and enthusiasm.

The details

According to data from AdImpact, Republican candidates have dominated the ad spending in the Texas Senate primary race. Sitting Sen. John Cornyn has spent $64 million on advertising, while Attorney General Ken Paxton has garnered $3.6 million in ad support and Rep. Wesley Hunt has received $11.4 million. In contrast, the two Democratic candidates, U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett and state representative James Talarico, have fallen far behind in ad spending, with Crockett garnering $3.9 million and Talarico $14.3 million since February 1st.

  • The Texas primary election is scheduled for March 3, 2026.
  • Early voting in the state primary showcased higher voter turnout than previous years, with a particular increase in Democratic voters casting their ballots during this early voting period.
  • President Trump is expected to visit Corpus Christi, Texas, this Friday ahead of the primary election.

The players

John Cornyn

Sitting U.S. Senator from Texas, leading the pack in ad spending with a total of $64 million spent on advertising supporting his re-election campaign.

Ken Paxton

Texas Attorney General, garnering nearly all of his $3.6 million in ad support since the beginning of February.

Wesley Hunt

U.S. Representative from Texas, receiving a total of $11.4 million in ad support for his Senate bid.

Jasmine Crockett

U.S. Representative, the Democratic candidate who has garnered $3.9 million in ad support since February 1st.

James Talarico

Texas state representative, the other Democratic candidate who has received $14.3 million in ad support since February 1st.

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What they’re saying

“Those are the toughest races. They've all supported me. They're all good. You're supposed to pick one, so we'll see what happens. But I support all three.”

— Donald Trump

What’s next

President Trump is expected to visit Corpus Christi, Texas, this Friday ahead of the primary election on March 3.

The takeaway

The record-breaking $110 million in campaign ad spending for the Texas Senate primary race underscores the high-stakes and intense competition in this election. The surge in early voting turnout, particularly among Democrats, suggests heightened voter engagement, and the outcome of this race could have significant implications for the balance of power in the U.S. Senate.