Overview
- An independent University of Houston poll shows Paxton at 38%, Cornyn at 31% and Wesley Hunt at 17%, with 12% undecided and a May 26 runoff widely expected.
- Cornyn has intensified electability attacks, calling a Paxton nomination a potential GOP “massacre” and a “kiss of death,” arguing it could endanger the Senate seat and down‑ballot races.
- President Donald Trump has not endorsed, telling reporters he likes all three leading Republicans and will “see what happens.”
- AdImpact reports about $98.2 million in Senate primary ads spent or reserved across both parties, including nearly $59 million backing Cornyn, with more spending likely if the race advances to a runoff.
- Cornyn showcased support from law‑enforcement groups and local officials in North Texas, while Paxton dismissed personal attacks and Hunt argued he is the younger conservative alternative as new polling suggests a tightening race.