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Trump Undecided on Texas Senate Endorsement
President Trump says he hasn't picked a favorite in the crowded GOP primary race.
Feb. 19, 2026 at 3:55am
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President Donald Trump said he has not yet decided which candidate to endorse in the Republican primary race for the Texas Senate seat currently held by John Cornyn. Trump said he likes all three GOP contenders - Cornyn, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, and Rep. Wesley Hunt - but has not made up his mind as early voting gets underway in the state.
Why it matters
Trump's endorsement could be a major factor in the Texas Senate race, as he has claimed that candidates he supports typically win their primaries. The crowded GOP field and tight polling suggest the primary could head to a runoff, making Trump's potential endorsement even more impactful.
The details
Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One that the Texas Senate race 'has a ways to go' and he has not yet decided which candidate to back. Recent polling shows a tight three-way race, with Paxton leading Cornyn and Hunt. The winner of the Republican primary will face off against the Democratic nominee, likely either Rep. Jasmine Crockett or state Rep. James Talarico, in the general election for the seat rated as likely Republican by the Cook Political Report.
- Early voting in the Texas Senate primary begins on February 21, 2026.
- The primary election will be held on March 3, 2026.
- If no candidate wins a majority, the top two vote-getters will advance to a runoff on May 26, 2026.
The players
Donald Trump
The former President of the United States who has significant influence over Republican primary voters.
John Cornyn
The incumbent Republican U.S. Senator from Texas seeking re-election to a fifth term.
Ken Paxton
The Republican Texas Attorney General challenging Cornyn in the primary.
Wesley Hunt
The Republican U.S. Representative from Texas also running against Cornyn in the primary.
Jasmine Crockett
The Democratic U.S. Representative from Texas running in the primary to face the Republican nominee in the general election.
James Talarico
The Democratic member of the Texas state legislature also running in the primary to face the Republican nominee in the general election.
What they’re saying
“I just haven't made a decision on that race yet. It's got a ways to go, and I haven't.”
— Donald Trump, Former President
“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, Former President
What’s next
The Texas Senate Republican primary will be decided on March 3, 2026, with a potential runoff on May 26, 2026 if no candidate wins a majority.
The takeaway
Trump's endorsement could be a game-changer in the crowded Texas Senate GOP primary, but the former president has yet to pick a favorite as early voting gets underway. The tight race suggests the primary may head to a runoff, making Trump's eventual endorsement even more impactful.
