Paxton Drops Negative TV Ads as Cornyn Keeps Up Millions in Attacks

5 articles · Updated · POLITICO · May 21

Ken Paxton said his Senate campaign had already switched its TV ad buys to end on a “positive note” before next week’s Texas GOP runoff, and a pro-Paxton super PAC said it was also pulling negative spots.
John Cornyn rejected the truce on X, saying voters still need to hear allegations tied to Paxton’s handling of a child-sex-offender plea deal and vowing to keep running attack ads for a few more days.
The clash has become a fresh sign of a bitter MAGA-versus-establishment split in Texas Republicans, despite the state party chair urging both camps to cool the feud to protect the seat in November.
Republicans fear the damage could depress turnout, hurt down-ballot candidates and force the party to spend more than $100 million if Paxton wins the nomination against Democrat James Talarico.

When campaign spending reaches historic levels, what are the broader impacts beyond the election itself?