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President Trump Stays Neutral in Contentious Texas Senate Primary Battle
The fiercely contested Texas Senate Republican primary continues to escalate without a clear signal from President Donald Trump, who declined to endorse any candidate during his recent energy-focused rally in Corpus Christi.
The race has evolved into a high-stakes political battle primarily between three candidates: incumbent Sen. John Cornyn, who is seeking a fifth term; Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton; and Rep. Wesley Hunt. All three attended Trump’s rally, reminiscent of the campaign-style events that defined his successful 2024 presidential run.
During his remarks, Trump acknowledged the competitive nature of the contest but carefully maintained neutrality. “They’re in a little race together,” Trump said, referring to Cornyn and Paxton. “It’s going to be an interesting one, right? They’re both great people, too.” He mentioned Hunt later in his address.
When reporters asked Trump ahead of the event whether he had decided who to endorse, he responded, “Pretty much,” but declined to reveal his choice.
The primary has become one of the most expensive in Texas history, with campaign spending reaching unprecedented levels. According to data from AdImpact, approximately $110 million has been spent across the Senate primaries to date, with $88 million of that total directed toward the Republican contest alone.
Cornyn enters the race with the backing of Senate Republican leadership but faces significant challenges to his reelection. Despite his seniority and experience, the incumbent has struggled to maintain his standing with the party’s base in an increasingly polarized political environment.
Paxton, meanwhile, has aligned himself closely with Trump’s political brand despite facing several legal and ethical controversies throughout his tenure as attorney general. He has cultivated strong support among House conservatives, with allies like Rep. Troy Nehls bringing him to Trump’s recent State of the Union address as a show of solidarity.
Hunt, a rising star in Texas Republican politics, has positioned himself as a fresh alternative to both established candidates, though he remains a less prominent figure in the race than his competitors.
The primary has been marked by increasingly bitter exchanges between the campaigns. Recently, Hunt filed a police report against a Cornyn campaign staffer over an alleged “doxxing” incident involving his family, highlighting the personal nature of the conflict.
Political analysts suggest the crowded field will likely force a runoff election, extending the contest until late May and turning an already contentious campaign into an even more intense political showdown. Paxton’s team has expressed confidence in potentially securing 50% of the vote in the March 3 primary, while Cornyn’s operation appears focused on a longer-term strategy.
For all three candidates, Trump’s endorsement remains the most coveted prize in a state where the former president maintains significant influence over Republican voters. His continued neutrality has created a unique dynamic in which each candidate attempts to align with Trump’s agenda without his explicit backing.
The outcome of this primary could significantly impact the direction of the Republican Party in Texas, a state that remains crucial to GOP national strategy despite demographic changes that have made some races more competitive in recent election cycles.
As Election Day approaches, the spending is expected to intensify further, making this contest one of the most expensive and closely watched primaries of the 2026 election cycle.
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10 Comments
I wonder if Trump is staying neutral to avoid alienating any potential future allies or supporters. Cornyn, Paxton, and Hunt all have their own bases of support, and Trump may want to keep his options open. His neutral approach could pay dividends down the line.
This race will be a test of Trump’s influence in the GOP. His ability to sway the primary outcome, or his decision to stay neutral, could shape the direction of the party in Texas going forward. It will be fascinating to see how it all plays out.
Absolutely. Trump’s endorsement still carries a lot of weight in the Republican party, so his choice here could have major implications. It will be interesting to see if he ultimately decides to weigh in.
With three strong candidates vying for the nomination, this primary is shaping up to be a real battle royale. Trump’s reluctance to pick a side suggests he’s trying to maintain leverage and influence regardless of the outcome. It will be a closely watched race.
It’s notable that Trump acknowledged all three candidates as ‘great people.’ That suggests he sees the potential in each of them and isn’t ready to anoint a clear favorite. The GOP primary in Texas will be worth watching closely.
This primary race is a good barometer for the direction of the GOP in Texas. Cornyn is the establishment candidate, while Paxton and Hunt represent different factions. Trump’s neutrality suggests he’s trying to avoid picking sides and alienating any key supporters.
You make a good point. Trump likely wants to maintain influence with all the major GOP figures in Texas, so staying neutral allows him to hedge his bets for now.
Interesting to see Trump staying neutral in this competitive Texas GOP primary. With high-profile candidates like Cornyn, Paxton, and Hunt, it’s shaping up to be a heated race. I wonder if Trump is holding out on an endorsement to see how things play out.
The energy-focused rally in Corpus Christi was an interesting backdrop for this GOP primary battle. As a major oil and gas state, the candidates’ positions on mining, energy, and related issues could be a key factor. Trump seemed to be treading carefully to avoid alienating any of them.
I’m curious to see how the money and campaign dynamics play out in this race. With it becoming one of the most expensive primaries in Texas history, the candidates will likely be pulling out all the stops to win Trump’s endorsement. But his reluctance to pick a side is intriguing.