The U.S. Senate race in Texas is heating up with the entry of Ken Paxton, the state’s attorney general, as a challenger to four-term Sen. John Cornyn. This development has caused a stir among top GOP senators, who were already working behind the scenes to undercut Paxton even before he officially entered the race. Some Republicans are urging President Donald Trump to endorse Cornyn, citing his leadership experience and strong donor base.
Sen. Kevin Cramer, a close ally of Trump, expressed concern about Paxton’s candidacy and advised the president to support Cornyn. Despite this, Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas has remained neutral in the race, while two members of the Texas delegation have already thrown their support behind Paxton.
Paxton’s entry into the race is just one of the primary challenges facing Republicans in the upcoming election cycle. There is growing anxiety within the party that Trump may endorse more challengers aligned with the MAGA movement, leading to contentious primary contests in several states. Senate Republican leaders are particularly focused on preventing a Trump-backed primary threat to Sen. Thom Tillis in North Carolina and Sen. Bill Cassidy in Louisiana.
Republicans are hopeful that Trump will help them navigate these primary challenges and avoid intraparty upsets that could complicate their chances of retaining the Senate majority. However, they are also aware that Trump’s endorsement could disrupt their carefully laid plans.
Sen. Tim Scott, chair of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, has been working closely with Trump to align their efforts in protecting incumbent senators. Scott reiterated his support for Cornyn and emphasized the senator’s commitment to Trump’s agenda.
Despite these efforts, the GOP faces the perennial challenge of balancing primary contests with the goal of winning general elections. In 2022, Trump’s endorsements of certain candidates resulted in losses in competitive races. Senate Republicans are keen on avoiding a repeat of this scenario in the 2026 midterms.
In North Carolina, Tillis is already facing primary challengers, including Michele Morrow, a controversial candidate who ran for state superintendent last fall. In Louisiana, Cassidy is also bracing for a primary challenge from State Treasurer John Fleming. The unique primary system in Louisiana, which no longer advances the top two vote-getters regardless of party affiliation, poses a new challenge for Cassidy.
The potential for Trump to intervene in these primary races adds another layer of complexity for Republicans. While some incumbents may benefit from Trump’s endorsement, others, like Cassidy, may face obstacles in winning over a more conservative and Trump-aligned electorate.
As Republicans navigate these primary challenges, they are working to ensure unity within the party and maximize their chances of success in the general election. The delicate balance between securing primary victories and maintaining party cohesion remains a key focus for GOP leaders as they gear up for the 2026 midterm elections.
