Texas' GOP Senate primary is shaping up to be a high-stakes, high-cost battle, with Senator John Cornyn and State Attorney General Ken Paxton leading the fundraising charge. The competition for campaign funds reflects the intense rivalry expected in the race.

In the third quarter, Cornyn’s political operation generated approximately $3.4 million across his campaign and two joint fundraising committees, as per Federal Election Commission filings. However, only $910,000 of this total was raised directly by his campaign from July to September.

Paxton, on the other hand, brought in just under $1.3 million directly to his campaign account. This figure suggests that Paxton may have narrowly outpaced Cornyn in terms of direct campaign contributions, though the full financial picture is complicated by the unallocated funds in Cornyn’s joint fundraising efforts.

Entering the next phase of the primary, Cornyn holds a significant financial advantage with $6 million in cash on hand, nearly double Paxton’s $3.1 million. This financial footing could play a crucial role as the primary race intensifies.

Adding to the dynamic is Rep. Wesley Hunt, a rising star within the GOP, who transitioned $366,000 from his House campaign funds to his Senate campaign after announcing his candidacy this month. Starting October, Hunt had $1.5 million ready for his Senate run.

Cornyn has been narrowing Paxton's early lead in the polls, buoyed by increasing support from national Republican figures as he vies for a fifth term. Both are courting President Donald Trump's endorsement, which could prove pivotal in the primary. A recent University of Houston/Texas Southern University survey showed Paxton and Cornyn nearly tied, with Hunt trailing behind.

On the Democratic side, the race to turn Texas blue features formidable candidates including former Rep. Colin Allred, state Rep. James Talarico, and astronaut Terry Virts. Talarico leads the Democratic fundraising efforts with nearly $6.3 million raised and almost $5 million on hand. Allred follows with a reported $4.1 million raised, while Virts has garnered under $272,000.

As funds flow and strategies evolve, all eyes will be on these candidates as they navigate one of the most politically charged and financially pivotal primaries in Texas history.