(Adnkronos) – The Republican primaries for the Senate in Texas represent the next major political test for Donald Trump and his grip on the Republican Party. Outgoing Senator John Cornyn faces Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton today in a tight runoff, with Paxton having secured the president’s public endorsement after months of pressure from GOP leaders for Trump to support Cornyn instead. Polls cited by the Washington Post now indicate Paxton is ahead, thanks to the support of the more radical wing of the conservative electorate, traditionally more mobilized in runoffs. “It was the kiss of death for Cornyn,” commented Texas Republican Congressman Lance Gooden, an ally of Paxton.
The challenge deeply worries Senate Republicans, who are committed to defending a fragile 53-47 majority in the upcoming midterm elections. Paxton comes to the vote burdened by years of corruption allegations and financial mismanagement, as well as personal matters that have tarnished his image in the eyes of the Christian electorate. His ex-wife, state senator Angela Paxton, filed for divorce a year ago citing “biblical grounds” and accusing him of adultery. Considered unpopular with both the Republican establishment and Democrats, Paxton has also raised significantly less funds than Cornyn and Democratic candidate James Talarico. According to Cornyn, his candidacy would force the party to spend “hundreds of millions of dollars” to retain the Texas seat. Election campaigns in the state are among the most expensive in America, due to its enormous territorial expanse and the weight of television markets like Houston and Dallas-Fort Worth.
Cornyn has for years represented the conservative Texas establishment: a former state attorney general and once the number two Republican in the Senate under Mitch McConnell’s leadership, he has garnered support from historic GOP figures like former governor Rick Perry. However, according to the Post, the internal party climate, which continues to favor candidates more aligned with Trump, would be working against Cornyn. Democrats are closely watching the clash, convinced that a Paxton candidacy could make Texas more competitive for them as well. Despite the particularly harsh tones of the campaign, Cornyn has assured that he will still support the Republican candidate in the general election, whoever wins the runoff.
