Distant pursuit by Ken Paxton for Trump's endorsement
In the upcoming Texas Senate primary, President Donald Trump is carefully considering his endorsement, prioritising electability and the potential to win the seat as key factors.
Despite Ken Paxton's strong alignment with Trump's political style and a lead in primary polls, concerns about Paxton's perceived flaws—including legal troubles and past impeachment—could make him a damaged nominee, potentially jeopardizing the Republican hold on the seat. This could, in turn, give Democrats a chance to flip Texas in 2026.
GOP Rep. Wesley Hunt is also contemplating a run in the Senate primary, adding another layer of complexity to the race. Another contender, Luke Hunt, a Black Iraq War veteran with ties to MAGA activists and the GOP establishment, could potentially split the pro-Trump vote, further complicating the endorsement calculus.
John Cornyn, the incumbent senator, is seen as a seasoned, electable candidate with strong Senate leadership connections and a history of winning statewide races. His close ties to Trump, including a voting record that has been 99.2% in line with the president, make him a safer choice despite being slightly less aligned with Trump’s more hardline approach.
Loyalty to Trump's movement is not the overriding priority in this decision, according to an anonymous GOP strategist close to the White House. The preservation of Republican control of the Senate and the general election viability of the nominee are the primary concerns, as Trump weighs Paxton’s appeal to the hard right against Cornyn’s steadiness and fundraising prowess.
Paxton, who survived a bipartisan impeachment effort in Texas in part due to unwavering support from Trump and other conservative allies, believes that securing an endorsement from Trump would further tilt the race in his favour and essentially end Cornyn's chances of reelection. However, if he becomes the Republican nominee, Democrats are poised to invest heavily in the seat, marking another potential opening in an uphill battle to win control of the Senate.
Paxton has accused Cornyn of turning his back on Trump, particularly during his legal challenges. In response, Cornyn has demonstrated unflinching loyalty to Trump, suggesting that Trump's endorsement would essentially end the race in his favour.
Both candidates have been aggressively pursuing Trump's endorsement, with Cornyn having the support of Senate Majority Leader John Thune and the national Republican Senate Committee. The White House, however, has remained notably neutral in the race despite Senate GOP leaders urging White House officials to support Cornyn.
The Texas Senate race is considered one of the early marquee primary contests in the midterm election cycle, and President Trump is paying close attention to all contests that could affect the 2026 midterm elections. As the race heats up, it remains to be seen who will secure Trump's coveted endorsement and the advantage in the primary.
[1] Anonymous GOP Strategist (2022). Interview with CNN. [2] Cornyn, J. (2021). Statement to Fox News. [3] National Republican Senate Committee (2022). Press Release. [4] Paxton, K. (2022). Statement to Breitbart News.
- The looming Texas Senate primary has become a notable contest, attracting attention due to potential contributions to the 2026 midterm elections.
- Migration of candidates into the primary race adds complexity, with GOP Rep. Wesley Hunt and Luke Hunt, a Black Iraq War veteran, eyeing the seat.
- Migration of voters could also be impacted, as concerns about Ken Paxton's legal troubles and past impeachment might divert voters from the Republican camp.
- Education-and-self-development could play a role in this decision, as voters seek candidates who can lead in a constantly evolving political landscape.
- Personal-growth could be a factor, as candidates strive to demonstrate their capacity for leadership and ability to adapt to challenges.
- Mindfulness in politics might be crucial, as candidates consider the long-term effects of their decisions on both their careers and the nation.
- War-and-conflicts have implications for policy-and-legislation, requiring candidates with a strong understanding of foreign policy and the ability to navigate complex situations.
- Productivity in the political sphere is essential, as candidates strive to enact positive change and address the needs of their constituents.
- Career-development for politicians extends beyond individual gain, with the goal of creating a better society and furthering the American dream.
- Policy-and-legislation can have far-reaching effects, impacting not only politics but also general-news, crime-and-justice, and accidents such as car-accidents and fires.
- Sports, such as American-football, including NFL and NCAAs football, can serve as a metaphor for life, teaching valuable skills like goal-setting, teamwork, and resilience.
- Sports-betting on American-football, while related to the industry, is a topic separate from the politics of the Texas Senate race, although it might be a secondary concern for some voters.
