The hotly contested Texas Senate race is setting spending records ahead of Tuesday's primary - AP News
AP News
February 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The highly competitive Texas Senate race is breaking spending records as voters gear up for Tuesday's primary election. With over $100 million spent so far, this race has become a major battleground for political dollars, surpassing previous records in both fundraising and ad spending. Candidates from across the political spectrum are investing heavily to capture the attention of Texas voters, reflecting the high stakes of this pivotal contest.
The race primarily features two leading candidates: Republican incumbent Ted Cruz and Democratic challenger Beto O'Rourke. Cruz, a well-known figure in national politics, has leaned on his fundraising network and political connections to amass significant campaign resources. Meanwhile, O'Rourke, who previously ran for Senate in 2018, has also outraised expectations with his grassroots-driven approach, raising millions through small donations and digital campaigns.
This unprecedented spending spree highlights the growing role of money in modern politics, particularly in high-stakes races like Texas' Senate contest. Both candidates are using their war chests to flood the airwaves with ads, targeting key battleground areas across the state. The sheer scale of this spending underscores the intensity of the competition and the importance of winning a seat that could influence the balance of power in Washington.
For voters, this race offers a glimpse into the broader trends reshaping American politics—namely, the increasing role of money in shaping election outcomes. As both sides pour resources into persuasion and turnout efforts, the outcome will likely hinge on which campaign can most effectively mobilize their base and win over independent voters. With early voting already underway and Election Day just weeks away, the stakes couldn't be higher for Texas and beyond.
This contest not only sets a precedent for future elections but also serves
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Originally published on AP News on 2/25/2026