BY MIRABEL ODETA
President Donald Trump is navigating a delicate balancing act in Texas as a fierce Republican Senate primary intensifies, with three prominent candidates competing for his coveted endorsement. As Trump travels to the state for his first trip following his recent State of the Union address, he is set to promote his administration’s energy and economic agenda while appearing alongside all three contenders vying for the GOP nomination.
The high-stakes primary pits incumbent Sen. John Cornyn against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and Rep. Wesley Hunt. The contest has grown increasingly personal and expensive, with each candidate emphasizing their alignment with Trump’s policies and record. Despite their public praise of the former president, none has secured his official endorsement, adding uncertainty to an already volatile race.
Cornyn, seeking a fifth term in the Senate, faces skepticism from parts of the Republican base. Some conservatives have criticized him for previously downplaying Trump’s 2024 comeback campaign and for his role in crafting bipartisan gun legislation following the tragic 2022 school shooting in Uvalde, Texas. While that legislation was praised by moderates, it sparked backlash among staunch gun-rights advocates within the party.
Behind the scenes, senior Republican leaders are urging Trump to back Cornyn, viewing him as the strongest candidate for the general election. Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Sen. Tim Scott, who chairs the National Republican Senatorial Committee, have reportedly made the case that retaining the Texas seat is critical to maintaining the party’s Senate majority. They argue that nominating Paxton could complicate the general election due to controversies that have followed him in recent years.
Paxton survived an impeachment trial in 2023 tied to fraud allegations, though he was ultimately acquitted. In addition to legal challenges, he has faced personal scrutiny, including allegations involving marital infidelity raised publicly during political disputes. Despite this, Paxton maintains strong support among grassroots conservatives who view him as a staunch ally of Trump and a fighter against federal overreach.
Hunt, a second-term congressman from the Houston area, entered the race later but has sought to distinguish himself as an early and loyal supporter of Trump’s 2024 presidential bid. He campaigned actively on Trump’s behalf and earned a prime-time speaking slot at the 2024 Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, boosting his national profile. Hunt argues that he represents a new generation of conservative leadership aligned closely with Trump’s priorities.
With early voting underway and primary day approaching, the financial stakes have soared. Cornyn’s campaign and allied political groups have reportedly invested tens of millions of dollars in advertising and voter outreach efforts, initially focusing on undermining Paxton but increasingly turning their attention to Hunt to prevent him from advancing to a potential runoff. Under Texas election rules, if no candidate secures more than 50 percent of the vote, the top two finishers will move on to a runoff election scheduled for late May.
Trump has sent mixed signals about whether he will ultimately weigh in. Earlier this month, he suggested he was taking “a serious look” at the race but later emphasized that he supports all three candidates. His public neutrality stands in contrast to the heavy presence he maintains in campaign advertising across Texas, where each contender features images and messaging highlighting their connections to him.
The Republican contest unfolds as Democrats also face a competitive primary. State Rep. James Talarico is competing against U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett for their party’s nomination, setting the stage for a closely watched general election battle in a state that, while reliably Republican in recent years, has shown signs of demographic and political shifts.
Beyond the Senate race, Trump has been more decisive in other Texas primaries. In the 34th Congressional District, former Rep. Mayra Flores is attempting to reclaim her seat against Trump-endorsed candidate Eric Flores. The winner is expected to challenge Democratic Rep. Vicente Gonzalez in a district that has been redrawn in ways Republicans believe could improve their chances.
Trump has also endorsed Rep. Tony Gonzales, who faces a primary challenge from Brandon Herrera. Gonzales has been under pressure from segments of his party following reports regarding a past relationship with a former staffer. He has declined calls to resign and insists that a full accounting of the situation will clarify the matter.
As Trump headlines an event at the Port of Corpus Christi during his Texas visit, his presence underscores the outsized influence he continues to wield within the Republican Party. Whether he ultimately chooses a side in the Senate primary or maintains his stance of neutrality could shape not only the outcome of Tuesday’s vote but also the broader battle for control of the Senate in November.