Trump Teases Endorsement in Texas Senate Race

Former president says he's 'giving serious look' at backing a candidate in the heated GOP primary.

Published on Feb. 3, 2026

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President Donald Trump is hinting that he may endorse a candidate in the Republican primary for the Texas U.S. Senate seat, though he has so far stayed out of the race. Trump said he's "giving it a very serious look" as incumbent Sen. John Cornyn, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, and U.S. Wesley Hunt vie for the GOP nomination.

Why it matters

Trump's endorsement carries significant weight within the Republican party, and his involvement could sway the outcome of the closely watched Senate race. However, his recent endorsement track record has been mixed, with a high-profile loss in a Texas special election.

The details

Cornyn has been actively courting Trump's endorsement, while Paxton and Hunt have also been vying for the former president's backing. Trump said he likes all three candidates but will make a decision soon, noting that "they say whoever I endorse wins." However, Trump's recent endorsement of Leigh Wambsganss in a Texas special election resulted in a stunning defeat for the MAGA-aligned candidate.

  • On February 3, 2026, Trump told reporters at Mar-a-Lago that he's "giving it a very serious look" in terms of endorsing a candidate in the Texas Senate race.

The players

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States who is hinting at endorsing a candidate in the Texas Senate race.

John Cornyn

The incumbent U.S. Senator from Texas who is seeking the Republican nomination for reelection.

Ken Paxton

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

Wesley Hunt

A U.S. Representative who is also running for the Republican nomination for the Texas Senate seat.

Leigh Wambsganss

A MAGA-aligned candidate in a recent Texas special election who received Trump's endorsement but suffered a surprising defeat.

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What they’re saying

“I'm giving it a very serious look.”

— Donald Trump (The Hill)

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

— Donald Trump (The Hill)

“But you'll be seeing soon. They say whoever I endorse wins. That's probably right.”

— Donald Trump (The Hill)

What’s next

Trump is expected to make a decision on endorsing a candidate in the Texas Senate race in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

Trump's potential endorsement in the Texas Senate race could have a significant impact, though his recent track record of endorsements has been mixed. The outcome of this race could provide further insight into the former president's continued influence within the Republican party.