Trump Rallies in Texas as 3 GOP Senate Candidates Battle It Out

The former president will appear with Sen. John Cornyn, Attorney General Ken Paxton, and Rep. Wesley Hunt ahead of the state's Republican primary.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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President Donald Trump is traveling to Texas on Friday, where he will appear alongside three Republican candidates vying for the state's Senate seat - incumbent Sen. John Cornyn, Attorney General Ken Paxton, and Rep. Wesley Hunt. The primary race has become intensely personal, with the candidates all trying to highlight their ties to the former president, who has so far declined to endorse any one candidate. Trump's visit comes just days before Texas Republicans head to the polls on Tuesday.

Why it matters

The Texas Senate race is a key battleground for Republicans as they aim to maintain control of Congress in the 2024 elections. Trump's involvement highlights the continued influence he wields within the party, even as some establishment figures like Cornyn have at times been at odds with the former president. The outcome of the primary could have major implications for the GOP's chances of holding the seat in the general election.

The details

Cornyn, who is seeking his fifth term, is facing challenges from Paxton and Hunt. Paxton has faced a series of legal and personal troubles, including beating impeachment in 2023 and allegations of marital infidelity by his wife. Hunt, a second-term Houston-area representative, has campaigned regularly for Trump and earned a prime-time speaking slot at the 2024 Republican National Convention. The candidates have been airing ads touting their ties to the former president, even as Trump has so far declined to endorse any one of them.

  • Trump will travel to Texas on Friday, February 27, 2026.
  • The Texas Republican primary election is scheduled for Tuesday, March 4, 2026.
  • If no candidate reaches 50% in the primary, the top two finishers will advance to a May 26, 2026 runoff.

The players

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States, who remains a powerful force within the Republican Party and is seeking to influence the outcome of the Texas Senate race.

Sen. John Cornyn

The incumbent five-term Republican senator from Texas, who is facing challenges from Paxton and Hunt in the primary.

Ken Paxton

The Texas Attorney General, who is challenging Cornyn in the Republican primary despite facing his own legal and personal troubles.

Rep. Wesley Hunt

A second-term Republican representative from the Houston area, who entered the Senate race later but has campaigned extensively with Trump.

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What’s next

If no candidate reaches 50% in the March 4 primary, the top two finishers will advance to a May 26 runoff election.

The takeaway

Trump's visit to Texas highlights the continued influence he wields within the Republican Party, even as some establishment figures like Cornyn have at times been at odds with the former president. The outcome of the primary could have major implications for the GOP's chances of holding the Senate seat in the general election.