WASHINGTON — Republican candidates are increasingly looking to President Donald Trump for a stronger financial push as the 2026 U.S. midterm elections enter a crucial stage.

Trump's MAGA Inc. political action committee had more than $403 million in its war chest at the end of July, according to campaign-finance figures cited by The Associated Press. Yet the group has so far made relatively limited investments in congressional races.

The situation is becoming particularly important in expensive Senate contests. In Texas, for example, Republican nominee Ken Paxton faces Democrat James Talarico in a race that has become significantly more competitive than Republicans initially expected. Talarico has also built a substantial fundraising advantage.

Republican candidates and party strategists are concerned that delaying television advertising and other campaign spending could make it more difficult to secure valuable advertising space later in the election season.

Trump and his political team have indicated that more spending and targeted campaign activity is coming, including rallies and outreach in battleground states.

The financial question comes as Republicans fight to preserve their congressional majorities in the November 3 midterm elections. Reuters polling has also found Trump's approval rating stuck at 33%, with Democrats showing greater enthusiasm heading into the campaign.

For Republican candidates, the debate is no longer simply about Trump's popularity — it is increasingly about how much of his enormous political fundraising operation will be deployed before voters cast their ballots.