In a dramatic turn of events, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is receiving a warm welcome in Washington, D.C., just days after securing the Republican nomination for the U.S. Senate. This shift comes after months of opposition from the GOP establishment, which had openly favored his rival, Senator John Cornyn.

The political landscape in Texas is evolving rapidly, with Paxton’s victory in last week’s runoff prompting a significant change in strategy from Senate Republicans. The National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) has established a joint fundraising committee with Paxton’s campaign, signaling a united front as the party prepares for a competitive race against Democratic nominee James Talarico.

The GOP’s New Strategy

The NRSC’s decision to form the Paxton Victory committee, registered with the Federal Election Commission on Monday, marks a clear shift in the GOP’s approach. This joint fundraising effort will allow the NRSC to raise and spend money in coordination with Paxton’s campaign and leadership PAC, providing a much-needed boost to his fundraising efforts.

Paxton, known for being a modest fundraiser, has been significantly outraised by both Talarico and Cornyn. In April, Talarico reported a record-breaking $27 million haul over the first three months of the year. The NRSC’s support is crucial as Paxton works to narrow this gap and effectively communicate his message to voters.

A Fundraising Frenzy

On Tuesday afternoon, Paxton appeared with seven Republican senators at a fundraiser hosted by AxAdvocacy, a lobbying firm affiliated with Axiom Strategies. The event, emceed by Senator Ted Cruz, included several first-term senators with ambitions of rising in the GOP ranks, such as Senators Katie Britt of Alabama and Bernie Moreno of Ohio. The invitation listed the price of entry at $1,000 per head.

Leaving the fundraiser, Cruz expressed confidence in the event’s success, stating, “Lots of folks came out, lots of folks wrote checks — we’re going to win in November.” The substantial turnout and contributions underscore the GOP’s commitment to Paxton’s campaign.

A Presidential Endorsement

Adding to Paxton’s momentum, he is scheduled to meet with President Donald Trump at the White House on Tuesday night. This will be Paxton’s first in-person meeting with the president since his primary victory, which was aided by Trump’s mid-May endorsement. Paxton’s 28-point win in the runoff highlights the influence of Trump’s support.

The Path Forward

The GOP’s embrace of Paxton signals a unified effort to secure the Texas Senate seat, which both parties consider competitive. Early polling shows Talarico with a lead over Paxton, a rare occurrence in Texas, where Democrats have faced significant challenges in recent elections.

Paxton’s ethical and legal baggage has raised concerns about his electability, prompting Senate GOP leaders to invest tens of millions in an attempt to keep the nomination out of his hands. However, with the primary season behind them, Republicans are now focused on maintaining their majority in the Senate.

Challenges Ahead

Paxton will need to leverage his newfound support and fundraising capabilities to effectively campaign against Talarico. The Democratic nominee has already demonstrated strong fundraising prowess, and the race is expected to be closely watched as both parties vie for control of the Senate.

Senator Cruz, who remained neutral throughout the primary, has pledged his support to Paxton. “I think it is critical that we ensure that Ken Paxton is able to communicate his message with the voters of Texas,” Cruz said. “I’m proud to be hosting a fundraiser for him, and I’m going to be urging Texans and people across the country that want to ensure a Republican Senate, that they support his campaign — financially, with their vote, and every other way.”

A Change of Heart

The GOP’s swift pivot to support Paxton highlights the party’s strategic flexibility. Senate Majority Leader John Thune had advocated for Cornyn throughout the race but quickly came around to Paxton after the runoff. “We’re all in for Ken Paxton,” Thune stated, signaling a united front as the party prepares for the general election.

Cornyn, meanwhile, has indicated that he will support the Republican ticket in Texas but plans to focus his efforts on maintaining the GOP majority in winnable races around the country. “I stand by everything I said during the whole campaign,” Cornyn said, acknowledging the shift in strategy.

The political dynamics in Texas are evolving, and Paxton’s journey from outcast to ally underscores the GOP’s determination to secure a crucial Senate seat. As the campaign progresses, all eyes will be on Paxton and his ability to rally support and overcome the challenges ahead.