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Business & Finance · November 4, 2026

Elon Musk's Texas-sized midterms failure

Part of: Texas Senate: Paxton vs. Talarico →
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Democrat James Talarico, age 37, has been projected to defeat Republican Ken Paxton in the Texas Senate race, marking the first Democratic victory for a Senate seat in the state since 1988 and the first statewide win for the party since 1994. The race was characterized by historic spending, with Elon Musk contributing over $200 million to support Paxton, primarily through the Senate Leadership Fund. Talarico, who out-raised Paxton in direct campaign funds, centered his campaign message on opposing Musk's influence in the election.

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Reported by multiple outlets

  • James Talarico defeated Ken Paxton in the Texas Senate race.
  • James Talarico is 37 years old.
  • Elon Musk spent over $200 million in an effort to support the Republican candidate.
  • Talarico is the first Democrat to win a Texas Senate race since Lloyd Bentsen in 1988.

Reported by only some outlets

  • Talarico is the first Democrat to win any statewide office in Texas since 1994.
  • Elon Musk gave $75 million on September 9 and $83 million on September 23 to the Senate Leadership Fund.
  • Musk's trust gave $10 million to Lone Star Liberty PAC.
  • Talarico raised $72 million by early September compared to Paxton's $16.8 million.
  • President Trump's main super PAC contributed $10 million to the race.

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