The political landscape in Texas is shifting, marked by a notable silence from a powerful figure: former President Trump. A crucial Senate primary is brewing, yet Trump remains conspicuously absent from offering support to incumbent Senator John Cornyn.
Despite Senator Cornyn’s direct appeal for an endorsement, his request was firmly denied. This rejection comes after a period of strained relations, stemming from Cornyn’s involvement in bipartisan gun safety legislation – a move that previously earned him the label of “RINO Republican” from Trump himself.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune has actively campaigned for Cornyn, attempting to sway Trump’s decision. However, these efforts have proven fruitless, with Thune acknowledging the former President’s current unwillingness to publicly back the Senator.
The White House views the Texas Senate race as a three-way contest, with Cornyn, Attorney General Ken Paxton, and Representative Wesley Hunt all vying for the mantle of Trump loyalty. This dynamic has created a situation where Trump appears content to let the primary unfold without his intervention.
Current polling data reveals a remarkably tight race. Attorney General Ken Paxton narrowly leads Senator Cornyn by a mere 0.3 percent, a difference statistically insignificant given the margin of error. Representative Wesley Hunt lags considerably behind, garnering only 19 percent of support.
Cornyn’s campaign maintains a narrative of continued strong ties with the former President, highlighting the Senator’s 99.3% voting record aligned with Trump’s policies during his time in office. However, this assertion does little to alter the reality of the withheld endorsement.
The lack of Trump’s support throws the Texas Senate primary into a state of uncertainty, forcing Cornyn to navigate a challenging path to re-election without the backing of the most influential voice in the Republican party. The outcome will undoubtedly signal a significant shift in the state’s political power dynamics.
