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Texas Senate Primary Enters Final Stretch With Paxton Ahead, Trump Still Silent

Record spending is colliding with higher Democratic early turnout to set up a likely May 26 runoff if no candidate reaches 50%.

Overview

  • Polling averages show Attorney General Ken Paxton leading Sen. John Cornyn, with Rep. Wesley Hunt trailing, as candidates make final pitches before Tuesday’s vote.
  • President Donald Trump visited Texas and said he is “pretty much” decided on an endorsement but has not named a choice after meeting the top Republican contenders.
  • Senate GOP leaders have publicly warned that a Paxton nomination could jeopardize the seat in November and have urged Trump to back Cornyn.
  • Ad-tracking firms report record primary spending, with total TV and digital ad buys and reservations estimated between roughly $110 million and $122 million.
  • Democratic turnout in early voting has outpaced Republican participation statewide, as Rep. Jasmine Crockett and state Rep. James Talarico run in a closely contested primary and Crockett touts a new endorsement from former Vice President Kamala Harris.