The Texas U.S. Senate race between Democrat James Talarico and Republican Ken Paxton is drawing attention due to their massive fundraising totals, with federal records showing Talarico far ahead in money raised through the campaign accounts that are publicly reported.

But while candidate committees face contribution limits, outside political groups known as super PACs can raise and spend unlimited amounts and those groups can dramatically reshape the financial picture of the race.

What the campaign reports show Talarico raised $140. 3 million from Jan. 1, 2025, through Oct. 14, 2026, while Paxton raised $21. 6 million over the same period, according to Federal Election Commission (FEC) data cited in the broadcast script.