President Donald Trump signaled this week that he will soon issue a key endorsement in the closely watched Texas Republican Senate primary runoff, a decision that could significantly reshape the contest between incumbent Sen. John Cornyn and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.
The president hinted at his upcoming decision in a post on Truth Social, where he indicated that he plans to reveal his endorsement in the near future. Trump also called for party unity, suggesting that whichever candidate does not receive his backing should step aside to allow Republicans to focus their efforts on the general election.
“I will be making my Endorsement soon,” Trump wrote. He added that the candidate who does not secure his support should “DROP OUT OF THE RACE” so Republicans can “TOTALLY FOCUS” on defeating the Democratic nominee.
The race has quickly become one of the most high-profile Republican primaries in the country. Cornyn finished ahead of Paxton in the first round of voting, holding a lead of roughly 25,000 votes with more than 95 percent of ballots counted. However, neither candidate achieved the majority required to win outright, triggering a runoff that will stretch over the next 12 weeks.
As the runoff campaign ramps up, several Senate Republicans and major party donors are reportedly urging Trump to act quickly with his endorsement. Many of those voices are pushing for Cornyn, arguing that the party should avoid a prolonged internal fight.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) told reporters that he hopes the president announces his endorsement soon, noting that he personally made the case to Trump. Other Republicans have echoed similar concerns, warning that a lengthy primary battle could weaken the eventual nominee and create an opportunity for Democrats in November.
Some party strategists have also raised concerns about the potential financial toll of the runoff. According to those familiar with the situation, the race could burn through more than $100 million in Republican donor money before it is settled.
Meanwhile, Democrats have already unified behind their nominee. State Rep. James Talarico secured the Democratic nomination outright, allowing his party to focus on the general election while Republicans continue their primary battle.
Several Republican senators have argued that Cornyn would be the stronger candidate heading into the November contest.
Sen. Katie Britt (R-AL) told POLITICO that Cornyn is “without a doubt the candidate to win in November,” while acknowledging that a Trump endorsement carries enormous influence in Republican primaries.
Sen. John Barrasso (R-WY) made a similar case, stressing the importance of maintaining Republican control of the seat.
“We need to hold that seat which means we need to nominate someone who is going to win in November,” Barrasso said.
Despite the pressure from party leaders and donors, Paxton has made clear that he has no intention of leaving the race, regardless of whom Trump ultimately endorses.
During an interview Wednesday, Paxton argued that Cornyn has not represented Texas conservatives effectively.
“I owe it to the people of Texas,” Paxton said. “I’ve spent a year campaigning against John Cornyn because John has not represented the people of Texas well.”
Paxton reinforced that message Thursday in a post on X, where he linked his candidacy to Trump’s legislative agenda and the proposed SAVE America Act. He also said he would consider stepping aside only if Senate leadership agreed to eliminate the filibuster and pass the legislation. Paxton accused Cornyn of refusing to support abolishing the filibuster to move the measure forward.
The Texas attorney general also pointed to his past support for Trump, including his backing of the president’s efforts to challenge the results of the 2020 presidential election and his presence at Mar-a-Lago during Trump’s 2024 campaign launch.
Although Trump has not yet revealed his decision, many Republicans in Washington believe momentum may be shifting toward Cornyn after his stronger-than-expected performance in the initial round of voting.
With the president’s endorsement looming, the outcome could determine whether Texas Republicans quickly unite behind a nominee or face a prolonged and costly intra-party battle ahead of November.
[READ MORE: Karl Rove Warns Democrats Could Target Texas Senate Race if GOP Nominates Paxton]
