Trump Signals Key Endorsement In Heated Texas Senate Runoff
President Donald Trump said Wednesday that he plans to make a decisive endorsement in the Texas Republican Senate primary runoff and urged party unity ahead of the general election.
The race narrowed to a two-candidate runoff between Sen. John Cornyn and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton after neither candidate secured a majority in Tuesday’s primary vote. Rep. Wesley Hunt, who was also in the race, failed to advance to the runoff.
Trump had previously stayed neutral during the three-way contest, but indicated that he will soon weigh in with a formal endorsement and push for the other candidate to step aside once that decision is made.
“The Republican Primary Race for the United States Senate in the Great State of Texas cannot, for the good of the Party, and our Country, itself, be allowed to go on any longer,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “It must stop now.”
Trump argued that Republicans should shift their focus toward the general election and defeating Democratic nominee James Talarico, who won the Democratic primary after defeating Rep. Jasmine Crockett.
“Both John and Ken ran great races, but not good enough. Now this one must be perfect,” Trump said. “I will be making my endorsement soon, and will be asking the candidate that I don’t endorse to immediately drop out of the race.”
The president emphasized the importance of party unity as Republicans defend their Senate majority in the upcoming midterm elections. Republicans currently hold a 53–47 advantage in the Senate, though several competitive races across the country could shift that balance.
The Texas contest has already become one of the most contentious Republican primaries of the cycle, with Cornyn and Paxton exchanging sharp attacks throughout the campaign.
Cornyn warned that Paxton could put the party’s chances at risk in the general election.
“I refuse to allow a flawed, self-centered and shameless candidate like Ken Paxton risk everything we’ve worked so hard to build,” Cornyn said.
Paxton responded by calling for Cornyn to be defeated in the runoff.
“Last night, in a historic failure for John Cornyn, he failed to get nearly 60% of the GOP vote after spending $100 million,” Paxton posted on X. “It’s time to finish the job in the runoff.”
Political analysts still consider the seat favorable for Republicans. The Cook Political Report currently rates the race as “Likely Republican.”
Still, some GOP strategists have expressed concern that a prolonged and expensive primary fight could drain campaign resources and potentially strengthen Democrats heading into November.
Trump won Texas with more than 56% of the vote in the 2024 presidential election, underscoring the state’s continued Republican advantage even as the Senate contest draws national attention.