Texas Republicans are scrambling to unify behind Ken Paxton in a closely contested U.S. Senate race against Democrat James Talarico, as concerns grow that the party could lose a statewide race for the first time in three decades. Paxton, who defeated longtime Sen. John Cornyn in a May runoff after a late endorsement from President Donald Trump, is now seeking financial backing from Washington Republicans and mending ties with state and national party figures who had opposed him. The race is already being treated as potentially decisive for control of the U.S. Senate, and Sen. Ted Cruz has said it could be decided by "a point or two." Paxton has warned supporters that he needs more money quickly to begin airing television ads next month, while Talarico has built an early lead on the airwaves. AdImpact data cited by CNN show Talarico's campaign has spent $21 million on ads since the runoff, compared with $100,000 by Paxton's campaign. A super PAC supporting Talarico, Lone Star Rising PAC, had nearly $13 million in the bank heading into July. Paxton has recently campaigned on an economic plan featuring new and increased tax deductions for health care, housing and children, marking a shift from the sharper culture-war rhetoric that defined much of his primary campaign. At the same time, he continues to attack Talarico over past comments on social issues. Paxton's campaign says he now has the backing of 18 of the 24 Republican members in Texas' U.S. House delegation, though several prominent Republicans still have not endorsed him. National Republicans appear confident but have not yet detailed how much outside money they will commit. Senate Majority Leader John Thune attended a recent Paxton fundraiser in Washington, and National Republican Senatorial Committee chairman Tim Scott said the race would be "very well-funded." The recent Supreme Court decision striking down limits on coordination between candidates and political parties could also give Republicans more flexibility in how they support Paxton in the fall.