The Republican primary runoff in Texas’ Senate race will continue, with the deadline for a candidate to drop out passing Tuesday as President Donald Trump weighs backing Sen. John Cornyn or state Attorney General Ken Paxton.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Trump had teased an endorsement after the March 3 primary and called on the candidate he did not endorse to drop out and prevent a primary runoff election on May 26. He wrote on Truth Social on March 4 that the GOP contest \u201ccannot, for the good of the Party, and our Country, itself, be allowed to go on any longer. IT MUST STOP NOW!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Trump had seemed ready to back Cornyn after he was the top vote-getter in the first round of the primary, outperforming Paxton 42%-41%. But so far Trump has not backed a candidate. Republican candidates had until 5 p.m. local time Tuesday to withdraw and cancel the runoff, making the remaining candidate the party\u2019s nominee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Neither Cornyn nor Paxton withdrew, according to their campaigns. A candidate could still say he is dropping out before the May runoff, but his name would remain on the runoff ballot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Trump has tied his endorsement to the fate of a bill to overhaul the country\u2019s voting laws, known as the SAVE America Act.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cA lot has to do with the SAVE America Act. A lot is going to determine \u2014 Republicans have to get that passed, because that will secure voting in this country,\u201d Trump told NBC News in an interview last weekend, adding that he could decide on an endorsement in the race in the coming days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Paxton said he would consider dropping out if Senate leadership agreed to eliminate the 60-vote threshold to end debate on legislation, known as the filibuster, and pass the SAVE America Act.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Cornyn, who had been a staunch proponent of the filibuster, reversed course last week and said he would back \u201cwhatever changes to Senate rules that may prove necessary\u201d to pass the measure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Senate began debating the SAVE America Act on Tuesday. And Paxton said in a statement that Cornyn should be held responsible if it does not pass.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf the Save America Act fails, it will be because John Cornyn refused to truly fight to get it done,\u201d Paxton said. \u201cHe\u2019s campaigned on being Mr. Effective in the Swamp, and it\u2019s time for him to put his money where his mouth is.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Meanwhile, the jockeying for Trump\u2019s endorsement has continued.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lone Star Liberty PAC, a super PAC backing Paxton, launched a TV ad in the West Palm Beach media market over the weekend while Trump was in Florida, according to the ad-tracking firm AdImpact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The spot highlights Cornyn\u2019s past criticism of Trump, including when he suggested Trump was not the most electable presidential candidate in 2024. The ad also includes Cornyn\u2019s praise for some officials who have drawn Trump\u2019s ire, like former FBI Director James Comey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Cornyn\u2019s campaign has also started to attack Paxton on the airwaves, launching a TV ad highlighting the allegations of bribery and corruption that led to Paxton\u2019s impeachment in 2023. The state Senate ultimately acquitted him. The ad also notes that Paxton\u2019s wife is divorcing him on \u201cbiblical grounds.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Cornyn and his allies have long argued that Paxton\u2019s controversies would put the seat at risk in November. Democratic state Rep. James Talarico won his party\u2019s primary in March and will face the Republican nominee in November.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Trump dismissed concerns about Paxton\u2019s electability in the recent interview with NBC News.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNo, I think they both win,\u201d Trump said, describing Talarico as \u201cso weak.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n