Former President Trump revealed he’s holding back from endorsing a candidate in the heated Texas Republican Senate primary. Aboard Air Force One, returning from Florida, he acknowledged the difficulty of choosing between contenders, stating he “likes all three of them.” This announcement comes on the eve of early voting, intensifying the already charged atmosphere surrounding the race.
The primary pits veteran Senator John Cornyn, seeking re-election, against Attorney General Ken Paxton and Representative Wesley Hunt. Hunt, a West Point graduate and Apache helicopter pilot, represents a reliably Republican district near Houston, bringing a distinct military background to the contest. Both Paxton and Hunt are aggressively challenging Cornyn’s position, seeking to unseat the long-serving senator.
Trump emphasized the loyalty each candidate has shown him, noting they’ve all been supportive. He acknowledged the expectation to choose a single candidate, but remained noncommittal, stating he “supports all three.” This stance avoids alienating any faction within the Texas Republican party, at least for now.
Cornyn is actively leveraging his past support for Trump, claiming a 99.3% alignment with the former president’s policies. He’s also backed by Senate leadership and the National Republican Senatorial Committee, signaling establishment support. However, his rivals are attempting to paint him as insufficiently devoted to Trump’s agenda.
Paxton, a staunch Trump ally known for his fiery rhetoric, and Hunt, a rising figure within the MAGA movement, are questioning Cornyn’s commitment. They’ve labeled him a “RINO” – a Republican in Name Only – attempting to appeal to voters who prioritize unwavering loyalty to the former president. This tactic underscores the deep divisions within the Texas Republican party.
Establishment Republicans and the NRSC express concern that a Paxton victory could jeopardize the Senate seat in the general election. They point to the numerous scandals and legal battles that have plagued Paxton, as well as his highly publicized and contentious divorce proceedings. These issues raise questions about his electability in a statewide race.
Current polling data suggests a tight race between Cornyn and Paxton, with Hunt trailing in third place. The outcome remains uncertain, and a runoff election on May 27 is highly probable if no candidate secures a majority in the March primary. This extended contest will likely prolong the internal Republican struggle.
On the Democratic side, Representative Jasmine Crockett, a progressive voice, and state Representative James Talarico are vying for their party’s nomination. Crockett, a vocal critic of Trump, and Talarico, a former teacher and seminarian, represent different paths for the Democrats in a state traditionally dominated by Republicans.
Trump previously indicated he was “taking a serious look” at an endorsement, suggesting a decision was imminent. However, his latest comments reveal a continued reluctance to wade into the fray, leaving the Texas Senate primary a battleground for competing factions within the Republican party. The coming weeks will be crucial as voters head to the polls.
