Trump Considers Endorsing in Texas GOP Senate Primary

Former president says he's giving it a 'very serious look' as Democrats flip a state Senate seat in Texas.

Feb. 1, 2026 at 12:31pm

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Former President Donald Trump told reporters on Sunday that he is taking a 'serious look' at endorsing a candidate in the Texas Republican Senate primary. Trump said he is 'friendly with all of them' and 'likes all of them,' referring to incumbent Sen. John Cornyn, state Attorney General Ken Paxton, and Rep. Wesley Hunt. The president's comments came hours after Democrats flipped a state Senate seat in Texas, a deep red district that Trump won by 17 points in 2024.

Why it matters

Trump's endorsement in the Texas GOP Senate primary could have a significant impact, as the former president has claimed that 'whoever I endorse wins.' This comes as Democrats make inroads in the traditionally Republican state of Texas, flipping a state Senate seat in a district Trump carried just two years ago.

The details

President Trump told reporters at Mar-a-Lago that he is 'giving it a very serious look' when it comes to endorsing a candidate in the Texas Republican Senate primary. The primary features incumbent Sen. John Cornyn, state Attorney General Ken Paxton, and Rep. Wesley Hunt. Trump said he is 'friendly with all of them' and 'likes all of them,' but did not indicate which candidate he is leaning towards endorsing.

  • On Sunday, February 1, 2026, Trump spoke to reporters at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida.

The players

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States who is considering endorsing a candidate in the Texas Republican Senate primary.

John Cornyn

The incumbent Republican U.S. Senator from Texas who is running for re-election.

Ken Paxton

The Republican Attorney General of Texas who is running for the U.S. Senate.

Wesley Hunt

A Republican U.S. Representative from Texas who is running for the U.S. Senate.

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What they’re saying

“I'm giving it a very serious look.”

— Donald Trump

“You know, my problem is I'm friendly with all of them. I like all of them, all three.”

— Donald Trump

What’s next

Trump is expected to announce his endorsement in the Texas GOP Senate primary in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

Trump's potential endorsement in the Texas Senate race could have a significant impact, as the former president has claimed that his endorsements are a virtual guarantee of victory. This comes as Democrats make inroads in the traditionally Republican state, raising the stakes for the GOP in this key Senate contest.