Billionaire-Funded Super PAC Backing Texas Senate Candidate James Talarico

Lone Star Rising PAC has spent millions on negative ads against Talarico's primary opponent, despite Talarico's pledge to ban super PACs

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Texas Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico has vowed to ban super PACs if elected, yet a super PAC called Lone Star Rising PAC funded by dark money groups and Democratic billionaires has spent millions on negative ads against Talarico's primary opponent, Rep. Jasmine Crockett. The super PAC was formed by Talarico's close friend Alexander Clark just a week after Talarico launched his campaign, raising questions about potential coordination.

Why it matters

This case highlights the tension between Talarico's anti-corruption platform and the reality of how modern political campaigns are often funded. While Talarico has positioned himself as a candidate running a 'people-powered' campaign, the involvement of a well-funded super PAC working on his behalf raises questions about the integrity of his message and the influence of wealthy donors in the electoral process.

The details

The Lone Star Rising PAC has deployed nearly $3.7 million in negative ads against Talarico's primary opponent, Rep. Jasmine Crockett, since early February. The super PAC received a $500,000 donation from billionaire Reid Hoffman, who had a relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Other prominent donors to the pro-Talarico super PAC include hedge fund manager Stephen Mandel, Hyatt Hotel heir Adam Pritzker, Eagles drummer Don Henley, former Biden White House official Cristobal Alex, and private equity billionaire Mark Heising.

  • Lone Star Rising PAC was formed on September 2, 2025.
  • Talarico launched his Senate campaign one week later, on September 9, 2025.
  • The super PAC received a $500,000 donation from billionaire Reid Hoffman in late January 2026.
  • The super PAC deployed nearly $3.7 million in negative ads against Talarico's opponent since early February 2026.

The players

James Talarico

A Texas Democratic Senate candidate who has vowed to ban super PACs if elected, despite a super PAC funded by dark money groups and Democratic billionaires working to support his campaign.

Jasmine Crockett

A U.S. Representative who is Talarico's primary opponent in the Texas Democratic Senate race.

Alexander Clark

A Texas political operative who formed the Lone Star Rising PAC, a super PAC supporting Talarico's campaign, just a week after Talarico launched his Senate bid.

Reid Hoffman

A Democratic billionaire megadonor who donated $500,000 to the Lone Star Rising PAC.

Lone Star Rising PAC

A super PAC that has spent nearly $3.7 million on negative ads against Talarico's primary opponent, Rep. Jasmine Crockett.

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What they’re saying

“The central belief in my faith is that the means are the ends. If we lose, it would feel not great. But—but!—it's the belief in the Resurrection, right? The belief that something beautiful would come out of this loss.”

— James Talarico, Texas Democratic Senate Candidate (The New Yorker)

“I'll make no apologies for not unilaterally disarming until we can all play by the same set of rules.”

— Alexander Clark, Founder, Lone Star Rising PAC (Facebook (now deleted)

What’s next

The Texas Democratic primary election is scheduled for next Tuesday, where Talarico will face off against Rep. Jasmine Crockett.

The takeaway

Talarico's campaign against the influence of money in politics is complicated by the involvement of a well-funded super PAC supporting his candidacy, raising questions about the integrity of his anti-corruption message and the role of wealthy donors in shaping electoral outcomes.