South Carolina Republican Sen. Jim DeMint’s Senate Conservatives Fund led an effort that raised $189,000 in the third quarter for former Solicitor General Ted Cruz’s Senate bid in Texas.

Members of the group spent an additional $77,000 advocating the Republican’s candidacy via independent expenditures for a total of $266,000.

“The response from the grass roots is exciting,” DeMint said in a statement about the drive, which included 2,500 donors. “Folks are engaged in this race and eager to elect a principled conservative in Texas.”

Cruz is one of several candidates in a crowded GOP primary for the open seat.