<p>Former President George W. Bush and Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) hosted a fundraiser in Dallas on September 18, 2026, aimed at supporting Republican Senate candidates in various states. Notably absent from the event was Texas Attorney General and Republican Senate nominee Ken Paxton, who previously defeated Cornyn in a primary election.</p>
<p>The fundraiser benefited Maintain the Majority, a joint fundraising effort for Republicans in competitive Senate races in states including Alaska, Iowa, Maine, Michigan, Ohio, and New Hampshire. Some attendees had previously contributed to Paxton's campaign.</p>
<p>Attendees included Senators Dan Sullivan (R-AK) and Jon Husted (R-OH), Representative Ashley Hinson (R-IA), former Michigan Representative Mike Rogers, former New Hampshire Senator John Sununu, and former sports broadcaster Michelle Tafoya, all of whom are running for Senate in their respective states.</p>
<p>Paxton is currently facing a fundraising challenge in his general election against Democratic state Representative James Talarico, who has significantly outraised him. Talarico reported having approximately $21.5 million in cash on hand compared to Paxton's $1.75 million, according to Federal Election Commission data from the end of June.</p>
<p>National Republican groups, including Donald Trump's super PAC MAGA Inc., are investing $10 million in advertising to support Paxton's campaign as he works to close the fundraising gap.</p>
<p>Cornyn, who will leave the Senate after Paxton's primary victory, has stated he does not plan to raise funds for Paxton. Bush had previously supported Cornyn during the primary but has not publicly backed Paxton.</p>
<p>Paxton's campaign has faced scrutiny due to past scandals, which have been highlighted in Talarico's attack ads. Talarico has also received endorsements from several current and former Republican officials, emphasizing his bipartisan appeal.</p>