Trump Invites Texas GOP Senate Candidates to Corpus Christi Event

Cornyn, Paxton, and Hunt all receive invitations ahead of state's primary election.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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The three leading candidates in the competitive Texas Senate Republican primary - incumbent Sen. Jon Cornyn, state Attorney General Ken Paxton, and Rep. Wesley Hunt - have all been invited to join President Trump's Friday stop in Corpus Christi, just days before the Lone Star State's Tuesday primaries. Though Trump is visiting the state in an official capacity, observers are eager to see if the president will address the closely watched Senate race, in which he has yet to endorse.

Why it matters

Trump's endorsement could have a significant impact on the Texas Senate Republican primary, as the former president remains highly influential within the party. His decision to invite all three candidates to the Corpus Christi event suggests he may be considering weighing in on the race, which could help determine the GOP nominee.

The details

According to a White House official, Cornyn, Paxton, and Hunt were all invited to join Trump at the Friday event in Corpus Christi. Paxton currently holds a lead over Cornyn in the latest polling, but neither candidate appears poised to win the primary outright, meaning a runoff election in May is likely. Hunt is polling in third place. Trump has previously stated that he likes 'all three of them' and is taking a 'serious look' at endorsing in the race.

  • President Trump is scheduled to visit Corpus Christi, Texas on Friday, February 28, 2026.
  • The Texas Senate Republican primary election is scheduled for Tuesday, March 3, 2026.

The players

Jon Cornyn

Incumbent U.S. Senator from Texas and one of the leading candidates in the Republican primary.

Ken Paxton

Texas Attorney General and one of the leading candidates in the Republican Senate primary.

Wesley Hunt

U.S. Representative from Texas's 38th congressional district and one of the candidates in the Republican Senate primary.

Donald Trump

Former President of the United States, who is visiting Texas in an official capacity and has yet to endorse a candidate in the Senate Republican primary.

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What they’re saying

“President Trump looks forward to returning to the great State of Texas this week to discuss the economy and tout his 'Drill Baby Drill' agenda.”

— Karoline Leavitt, White House Press Secretary (The Hill)

“I'm taking a serious look at endorsing, and I like all three of them, actually.”

— Donald Trump (The Hill)

What’s next

Observers will be closely watching to see if President Trump addresses the Texas Senate Republican primary race during his Friday event in Corpus Christi, and whether he decides to endorse a candidate ahead of the March 3rd primary election.

The takeaway

Trump's decision to invite all three leading candidates in the Texas Senate Republican primary to his Corpus Christi event suggests he may be considering weighing in on the race, which could have a significant impact on the outcome. The former president's endorsement could be a game-changer, as he remains highly influential within the GOP.