MAGA Inc., a major political action committee (PAC) closely associated with former President Donald Trump, held $403 million in available funds as of July 31, according to recent reports. While Trump’s allies claim the money will be used to support Republican candidates in the upcoming midterm elections, as of September, only a small portion had been spent. The Atlantic reported that Trump was planning to use the funds for television ads promoting his own political record, a strategy that has drawn criticism from traditional Republican consultants. Meanwhile, The Washington Post noted that GOP leaders are beginning to believe it may be too late to effectively use the money in the midterms, and that Trump may be holding onto much of the cash for his own future political goals. In Texas, Senator-elect Ken Paxton is facing a tough race against Democratic candidate James Talarico, and is in need of substantial financial backing from MAGA Inc. However, after Trump endorsed Paxton over Senator John Cornyn in the primary, responsibility for funding Paxton’s campaign has shifted to Trump. Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Senator John Kennedy have urged Trump to spend $100 to $200 million in Texas to support Paxton’s campaign. Strategist Karl Rove has warned that if Trump does not get involved soon, Talarico could launch a damaging campaign message that could threaten Paxton’s chances. The Republican National Convention in Dallas, which was scheduled to last two days, has drawn criticism from within the party. According to Politico, most of the 70 GOP candidates and members surveyed said they would not attend due to scheduling conflicts. The convention is expected to focus on issues like tax cuts, border security, and proposals to restrict stock trading by members of Congress. Trump, who was originally scheduled to speak only on the second night, has now committed to speaking both nights, ensuring his presence will dominate media coverage. However, the event may be overshadowed by the first two NFL games of the season. In Massachusetts, 80-year-old Senator Ed Markey won the Senate primary against Representative Seth Moulton, securing his seat with strong support from progressive voters. Moulton’s stance on trans women in sports was a key factor in his defeat, marking the second time Markey has successfully defended his position against a primary challenge. In the House of Representatives, two Democrats—Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez and Rep. Jared Golden—broke ranks with their party on a procedural vote to ensure a vote on a bill that would help lobstermen. Their actions also paved the way for a vote on a Republican-backed bill that condemned socialism and promoted the SAVE America Act. House Democrats were upset by the move, with some considering disciplinary action against the two members, though others believe a simple reprimand or better coordination could resolve the issue. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll has submitted his resignation, a decision that many had expected after months of tension with Pete Hegseth and others aligned with the Pentagon chief. Driscoll, who has close ties to high-ranking officials such as Vice President J.D. Vance, reportedly raised concerns about Hegseth’s leadership with Trump, who encouraged Driscoll to remain in his position and expressed concern about potential cuts to Army leadership. Senator Ted Cruz is reportedly exploring a potential run for the presidency in 2028, quietly gauging interest in campaign support. Cruz is distancing himself from certain elements of the MAGA movement, including the rise of antisemitism within the far-right wing associated with Tucker Carlson and overreach by the Federal Communications Commission. His strategy hinges on a possible backlash within the GOP against Trump-style populism. When asked about Cruz’s potential 2028 bid, Vance expressed a positive outlook for Cruz’s political future.