Trump to Boost GOP Midterm Funds at Texas Event Despite Party Friction

President Donald Trump is traveling to Texas on Thursday to headline a high-dollar Republican National Committee fundraiser and campaign for Senate nominee Ken Paxton, who faces a competitive race against Democrat James Talarico. The RNC reported a record $19.4 million raised in July, with over $130 million on hand, and the Houston event could add millions more, with some couples paying up to $443,000 to attend. Trump has previously criticized some GOP lawmakers and has been selective about spending his affiliated PAC's funds, though he recently backed Senator Darline Graham in her primary runoff.

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The Houston event marks one of Trump's most significant fundraising appearances this cycle, with the RNC already reporting record July receipts. MAGA Inc., Trump's affiliated super PAC, holds over $400 million, though its last independent expenditure for a candidate came March 9, when it spent roughly $18,000 on text messages for Georgia's Clay Fuller. Trump recently directed more than $827,000 toward Senator Darline Graham's successful primary runoff bid.

Paxton's general election contest against Talarico is considered competitive, and some Republican donors argue Trump bears responsibility for funding Paxton's campaign after endorsing him over Cornyn. Strategists note that large outside groups typically deploy resources heavily in the final six to eight weeks before Election