Trump heads to Texas, where 3 supporters battle in Senate primary
Trump’s Texas Dilemma: Choosing Among Allies in a Contentious Senate Primary
In the throes of a fiercely contested Texas Senate Republican primary, former President Donald Trump finds himself in an unenviable position. As he embarks on his first post-State of the Union visit to the Lone Star State, Trump is caught in a web of alliances with all three major contenders in the race — incumbent Sen. John Cornyn, state Attorney General Ken Paxton, and Rep. Wesley Hunt. Each candidate vies for the coveted endorsement of the former president, who remains elusive in his support, just days before the primary ballots are cast.
The Texas Showdown: Cornyn, Paxton, and Hunt
Sen. John Cornyn seeks a fifth term in the Senate but faces formidable challenges from Paxton and Hunt. The primary has taken a personal turn, with each candidate leveraging their ties to Trump to gain an edge. Cornyn, who scored an early advantage by flying on Air Force One with Trump for the Texas trip, has been an advocate for gun restrictions post-Uvalde shooting, making him unpopular with a segment of the GOP base.
Ken Paxton, meanwhile, has weathered a storm of legal troubles, including a 2023 impeachment on fraud charges and allegations of marital infidelity. Despite these issues, he remains a potent contender, with significant backing from certain conservative factions.
Latecomer Wesley Hunt, a second-term representative, entered the race with Trump’s early endorsement and has been an active campaigner for the former president. Hunt’s relationship with Trump adds complexity to the race, especially if no candidate secures 50% of the vote, prompting a runoff.
Trump’s Reluctance: Weighing the Options
During a brief interaction with reporters, Trump noted, “I like all three of them, actually. Those are the toughest races. They’ve all supported me. They’re all good. You’re supposed to pick one, so we’ll see what happens. But I support all three.” His indecision reflects the tricky dynamics at play.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Sen. Tim Scott have pushed Trump to endorse Cornyn, arguing his general election viability amidst Paxton’s controversies. “It is a strong possibility we cannot hold Texas if John Cornyn is not our nominee,” Scott emphasized during a Fox News appearance.
Expanding the Trump Influence
Beyond the Senate race, Trump has not shied away from other contentious Republican primaries in Texas. For instance, in the 34th congressional district, he backs Eric Flores against former Rep. Mayra Flores, aiming to reclaim GOP dominance in a redrawn district.
Meanwhile, Trump stands by Rep. Tony Gonzales, who faces calls for resignation after scandalous allegations. Despite the tumult, Trump’s endorsement remains steadfast, signaling his influence in Texas politics.
Conclusion: A Balancing Act for Trump
As Trump navigates the Texas political landscape, his hesitance to endorse in the Senate primary underscores the delicate balance of power and loyalty. With each candidate drawing from their Trump affiliations, the former president’s eventual decision or continued neutrality could tip the scales in a race fraught with personal and political implications. As voters prepare to head to the polls, Trump’s influence looms large, yet his ultimate choice remains shrouded in uncertainty.
Source: https://www.dailynews.com/2026/02/27/trump-texas-senate-republican-primary/