Texas Senate Primary Runoff Heats Up
The Texas Senate primary runoff elections are intensifying, marked by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s recent victory against incumbent Senator John Cornyn. Along the way, Paxton has garnered support from various influential state legislators and candidates.
After a primary election where neither candidate achieved the required 50% for a clear win, the atmosphere has grown increasingly combative. Both sides have amplified personal attacks against one another.
Paxton has secured endorsements from 13 new state-level politicians, including Texas Republican Senators Bob Hall and Donna Campbell, along with state Representative Janice Holt. This brings his total number of endorsements to around 250, which also includes representatives like Lance Gooden and Troy Neals.
The absence of support from former President Donald Trump is noteworthy, yet Paxton’s new endorsements suggest a rising wave of grassroots enthusiasm as they head towards a May runoff. The ultimate victor will need to defend a significant Republican Senate seat against the Democratic candidate, state Rep. James Talarico.
In response to his expanding support, Paxton expressed gratitude, saying, “I’m honored to be supported by leaders across the state who are fighting for Texas and our future.” He emphasized that the momentum of his campaign is on the rise, reflecting a desire for change among Texans.
He added that he has always worked for an “America First” approach and plans to continue doing so if elected senator.
While Paxton’s list of supporters grows, Cornyn, a seasoned senator since 2002, maintains backing from figures like Senate Majority Leader John Thune. Thune characterized Cornyn as a capable, conservative senator who has positively impacted the nation on various fronts.
Cornyn also enjoys support from the National Republican Senatorial Committee, the National Border Security Council, and local leaders, including notable business figure Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale.
Both candidates are actively seeking President Trump’s endorsement. Although Trump has not made a decision yet, he has indicated that he appreciates both candidates. His recent comments suggested that his support could hinge on how the SAVE America Act, which pertains to voting integrity, progresses in the Senate.
“A lot of it has to do with the SAVE America Act,” Trump noted, emphasizing its importance for securing Republican votes.
Interestingly, Cornyn has recently changed his stance on bypassing the filibuster to pass this legislation. Fox News Digital has reached out to Cornyn’s campaign for further commentary.
