Trump Stumps for 3 Texas Senate GOP Hopefuls

President visits Lone Star State as primary voters prepare to cast ballots

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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President Donald Trump is heading to Texas to campaign for three Republican candidates vying for the state's Senate seat. The crowded primary race features incumbent Sen. John Cornyn, state Attorney General Ken Paxton, and Rep. Wesley Hunt, all of whom have sought to highlight their ties to the former president. Trump has so far refrained from endorsing a specific candidate, though he has praised all three as "good" and "tough." The GOP battle comes as Democrats also have a contested primary in the state.

Why it matters

The Texas Senate race is seen as a key battleground for Republicans as they aim to maintain control of Congress. Trump's involvement highlights the continued influence of the former president within the party, even as he faces his own legal troubles. The outcome of the primary could have significant implications for the balance of power in the Senate.

The details

Cornyn, who is seeking his fifth term, is facing challenges from Paxton and Hunt. Paxton has faced a series of legal issues, including impeachment charges and allegations of marital infidelity, which have raised concerns among some Republican leaders about his electability in the general election. Hunt, a second-term Houston-area representative, has also sought to align himself with Trump, having endorsed the former president early in the 2024 race. The primary race has become increasingly personal, with Cornyn's campaign and allied groups pouring millions into efforts to slow Paxton's momentum and keep Hunt from making it to a runoff.

  • The Texas primary election is scheduled for Tuesday, February 28, 2026.
  • If no candidate reaches 50% in the primary, the top two finishers will advance to a May 26 runoff.

The players

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States, who is seeking to maintain his influence within the Republican Party by involving himself in key primary races.

John Cornyn

The incumbent Republican senator from Texas, who is seeking his fifth term and is seen as the stronger general election candidate by some GOP leaders.

Ken Paxton

The Texas state attorney general, who is challenging Cornyn in the Republican primary. Paxton has faced a series of legal issues, including impeachment charges and allegations of marital infidelity.

Wesley Hunt

A second-term Republican representative from the Houston area, who has also entered the Senate race and sought to align himself with Trump.

John Thune

The Senate Majority Leader, who has urged Trump to endorse Cornyn in the primary.

Tim Scott

The chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, who has also urged Trump to endorse Cornyn.

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What they’re saying

“It is a strong possibility we cannot hold Texas if John Cornyn is not our nominee.”

— Tim Scott, Chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee (Fox News)

“I like all three of them, actually. Those are the toughest races. They've all supported me. They're all good. You're supposed to pick one, so we'll see what happens. But I support all three.”

— Donald Trump (Associated Press)

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.