PLANO, Texas (AP) — Texans are participating in a Republican runoff election for the U.S. Senate on Tuesday. The election follows a contentious primary in which President Donald Trump endorsed state Attorney General Ken Paxton over incumbent Senator John Cornyn. Trump's endorsement may bolster Paxton's campaign, posing a risk to Cornyn, who could become the first Republican senator in Texas history to lose the party's nomination after seeking it.
Cornyn's campaign and supporting groups have spent approximately $90 million on advertising since last year, primarily targeting Paxton. Trump's influence in GOP primaries has been evident, as he has successfully supported challengers to incumbents in other states this month.
Following Trump's endorsement, Paxton's campaign and a supporting super PAC quickly began airing ads promoting the endorsement. Cornyn acknowledged the potential impact of Trump's support but stated he remains committed to the election process, emphasizing that the choice belongs to the people of Texas.
The winner of the runoff will face Democratic state Representative James Talarico in the general election in November, where Democrats are hopeful of winning a statewide office in Texas for the first time in decades. The runoff will also determine Democratic nominees for U.S. House districts in Dallas and Houston, which are expected to favor Democratic candidates.
In the March primary, Cornyn led Paxton but did not secure a majority, leading to the runoff. Cornyn's campaign has focused on attacking Paxton over ethical concerns, particularly following Paxton's acquittal on corruption charges earlier this year. Trump's endorsement came after early voting had commenced, and he has criticized Cornyn for not being supportive during challenging times.
Some Republican strategists have expressed concerns that a Paxton nomination could require additional funding in the fall campaign, diverting resources from other competitive races. Meanwhile, Democrats are also selecting nominees for various House districts in Texas, with some candidates facing scrutiny over past comments.