Republicans are increasingly concerned about an impending Texas primary that threatens one of their longest-serving senators, John Cornyn. This anxiety stems from fears that an expensive intraparty feud could have significant repercussions in the upcoming midterm elections. The party is calling on former President Donald Trump to intervene and help prevent a costly primary fight.
Behind the scenes, Senate GOP leaders have personally reached out to Trump, urging him to endorse Senator John Cornyn. Cornyn has held his position for over two decades, yet he narrowly lost his bid to become the Senate majority leader last fall. The situation has become more complicated as Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton signals his intent to enter the race, appealing to MAGA supporters who desire Trump's backing for the controversial figure.
Adding to Cornyn's challenges, Texas Representative Wesley Hunt is also positioning himself for a run in the GOP primary. Hunt has privately asserted to White House political advisers that he is the only candidate capable of winning both the primary and the general election, according to insiders involved in these discussions.
Concern is mounting that a Texas Senate GOP primary could cost the party over $100 million, diverting funds from crucial battleground states. GOP leaders worry that a weakened nominee could present an opportunity for Democrats, especially as former Representative Colin Allred considers a Senate run.
Top Republicans in the Senate are hopeful that Trump’s endorsement can help clear the primary field for Cornyn. Senate Majority Leader John Thune confirmed to CNN that he has discussed the situation with Trump in recent weeks, expressing hope that the former president will support Cornyn. “He’s done a great job for Texas and for the country. And we need him back,” Thune stated.
This emerging battle places Trump at the center of a growing divide within the GOP between the establishment and insurgent factions. Cornyn, a seasoned figure in Texas politics, has made efforts to align himself with Trump, even featuring footage of the former president praising him in a recent campaign video. In an interview, Cornyn indicated he is prepared for a primary fight but refrained from commenting on potential challengers until they formally enter the race.
Both Paxton and Hunt are attempting to draw contrasts between themselves and Cornyn, particularly highlighting Cornyn’s perceived distancing from Trump post-2020. Hunt, a hard-right Republican and combat veteran, has criticized Cornyn for allegedly moving away from Trump and has emphasized the need for strong conservative leadership in the Senate.
Hunt is also gaining momentum with a significant ad buy aimed at raising his profile statewide, which is crucial in a state where House candidates rarely succeed in statewide elections. Meanwhile, some conservatives are actively lobbying Trump to support Paxton, armed with private polling data suggesting Cornyn could struggle in a primary.
Despite enthusiasm from certain factions for Paxton, there are significant worries about his viability as a general election candidate. His history, including a recent federal corruption probe, could provide ample ammunition for opponents in a Senate race. GOP and Democratic operatives alike recognize that Paxton's baggage could be detrimental in a competitive election cycle.
On the Democratic side, Allred is reportedly contemplating another Senate run. After losing to GOP Senator Ted Cruz by eight points last year, Allred has been recognized for his strong performance across various demographics. The Texas Democratic Party is optimistic about his chances should he decide to run, particularly given the current political climate and anger directed towards Trump.
Republican leaders, including Sen. Tim Scott and Sen. Steve Daines, are focused on minimizing primary battles to ensure resources are allocated efficiently for critical pickup opportunities in states like Georgia, Michigan, and New Hampshire. Daines expressed the importance of reducing the impact of primaries to enhance the party's chances in the general election.
As the primary battle heats up, many Republicans in Texas have refrained from publicly backing Cornyn, waiting instead for Trump’s endorsement to guide their decisions. Notably, Senator Ted Cruz has remained silent on the matter, reminiscent of his neutral stance during Cornyn's previous primary challenge in 2014. This silence has led to speculation about Cruz's true support for Cornyn and the potential impact of the primary on the party's future.
With the Texas primary shaping up to be a focal point for both the GOP and Democrats, all eyes are on how this conflict will unfold and what it means for the broader political landscape in the lead-up to the midterms.
