Ken Paxton's social-post typo — writing "Cyprus" instead of Cypress — ignited a political backlash and invited mockery from rival James Talarico. The gaffe rekindled scrutiny of GOP travel optics while a Protecting America’s Future ad backfired by appearing to attack the wrong person. Meanwhile, MAGA Inc. reported a massive fundraising month with large gifts from the Winklevoss twins and Jared Isaacman, and related PACs have begun deploying millions to defend vulnerable Republicans.
MAGA Senate Hopeful's Typo, PAC Blunders and Big Donor Cash Shake Up Texas Race
Photo Illustration by Thomas Levinson/The Daily Beast/Getty/Reuters
Welcome to Midterms Meltdown, The Swamp’s pop-up briefing on the biggest campaign missteps and money moves ahead of November 3. Today's roundup highlights a high-profile typo by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, a botched attack ad from a GOP super PAC, and huge fundraising from MAGA-aligned groups that could reshape competitive races.
Paxton's Cyprus/Cypress Slip
Paxton's spluttering campaign doesn't need more unforced errors—but it just suffered a major one. / Brian Snyder / Brian Snyder/Reuters
Texas Attorney General and Trump-endorsed Senate nominee Ken Paxton thanked supporters after a Lubbock event with a social post reading, "Next stop: Cyprus with the great @TedCruz. We will keep Texas, Texas." The post implied a joint appearance in the Mediterranean island nation, but Paxton appears to have meant Cypress, a Houston-area community. He deleted the tweet, but not before Democratic rival James Talarico publicly mocked the gaffe: "It's Cypress, not 'Cyprus.' But for all the time you spend on luxury vacations in Europe, it's no surprise you don't know Texas."
Why It Matters
@kenpaxtontx/X
The typo reopened scrutiny of travel and optics among prominent Republicans. Readers will recall that Sen. Ted Cruz faced intense criticism for traveling to Cancun during Winter Storm Uri and for later vacations reported abroad during domestic crises. In this instance, reporting indicates Cruz was in Texas — underscoring that Paxton likely meant the local suburb rather than the island.
Personal Controversies Surface
@jamestalarico/X
Paxton’s deleted post also fed into broader narratives about his vulnerabilities. A GOP strategist told the San Antonio Current that Paxton "has more baggage than a 747," a comment that followed reports a U.S. tourist spotted him vacationing in London with Christian influencer Tracy Duhon on July 4.
Ad Blunder: GOP Spot Backfires
Gill managed to commit a memeworthy unforced error in his attack on Talarico. / @realBrandonGill/X
Another Texas flare-up involved Rep. Brandon Gillis, whose campaign was targeted by an ad produced by the Protecting America’s Future super PAC. Intended to attack Democrat James Talarico, the clip featured Gillis talking to camera from behind the wheel while on-screen captions meant to criticize Talarico appeared beside his face. Viewed on mute, the spot suggested the ad was condemning Gillis himself — even placing the phrase "Stands With Child Predators" next to his image — a disastrous framing for its creators.
MAGA Money: Big Raises, Big Donors
The ad recorded by Gill simply failed to put Talarico's name on screen, leaving it unclear who the guilty party was. / @realBrandonGill/X
MAGA Inc., the former president’s major allied super PAC, reported another massive month: it raised more than $23.7 million, spent just over $11 million, and held nearly $416 million in cash at the end of the reporting period. Major donations included a collective $10 million in bitcoin from crypto entrepreneurs Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss and a $2 million contribution from billionaire entrepreneur Jared Isaacman. The filing preceded larger targeted expenditures: MAGA-aligned vehicles have already moved large sums to protect incumbents, including a reported $15 million to shore up Paxton’s Senate bid, and related groups such as the No Going Back PAC have begun spending millions across Senate and House contests.
Other Notable Race Developments
Cameron (left—we hope) and Tyler (right—fingers crossed) Winklevoss are not just guests at the White House, but the handy providers of millions to Trump's PAC. / Al Drago / Al Drago/Getty Images
Retiring Democrat Rep. Jared Golden drew attention by endorsing GOP Rep. Mike Lawler in an op-ed titled "I'm a Democrat in Congress. NY Should Re-elect Mike Lawler," calling Lawler a "true partner" in Congress. In Connecticut, incumbent Gov. Ned Lamont appears favored for a third term; Quinnipiac polling director Doug Schwartz notes Lamont benefits from name recognition while Republican Ryan Fazio trails by roughly 17 points.
On the Trail: Quotes and Betting Markets
President Trump (on X): "Gas prices were much higher under Biden than under 'TRUMP.' So were almost all other prices."
Democratic strategist Jessica Tarlov on cable: "Less crazy."
Sen. John Kennedy quipped at an event: "I'm here for one reason besides the fact that I love Nebraska... I'm here for Pete Ricketts."
Betting markets show a tight but disadvantageous positioning for Paxton in Texas: Kalshi lists James Talarico at about 60% and Ken Paxton at 40%, while Polymarket shows roughly 59% for Talarico and 44% for Paxton.
Sign up for The Swamp to get more of the arena's insider moments and campaign secrets delivered to your inbox.
Help us improve.
