Trump endorses candidate in Texas runoff primary, even as some ballots are cast

Texas is holding its first Senate runoff primary after a contentious Republican contest between incumbent Senator John Cornyn and Attorney General Ken Paxton. President Trump weighed in last week, endorsing Paxton despite Cornyn’s stronger polling numbers and established name recognition. Cornyn leads in general election projections, while Paxton faces scrutiny over past legal troubles and a recent divorce tied to infidelity. Democratic nominee James Talarico has remained neutral, calling the race a chance to unseat a powerful Republican. The runoff follows a high-stakes primary where Cornyn framed the race as his most challenging yet, while Paxton shifted focus to the general election against Talarico. Polls show Paxton tied with Talarico and trailing Cornyn by a narrow margin, though Trump’s endorsement may shift momentum. Republican strategists warn the endorsement risks wasting resources on a candidate seen as a liability in November. Beyond the Senate race, Texas voters will decide Congressional District 18’s runoff between incumbent Al Green and challenger Christian Menefee, a race influenced by recent redistricting. Another contested district pits former Congressman Colin Allred against Julie Johnson, adding to the state’s political volatility. With $165 million spent on TV ads—mostly by Republicans—the runoff underscores Texas’s pivotal role in shaping the 2024 election landscape. The outcomes will determine key Senate and House seats ahead of November’s general election.