Texas Republicans Prepare for High-Stakes Primary Runoff Elections

Voters in Texas are heading to the polls today for a series of pivotal primary runoff elections, including a high-stakes Senate race between incumbent John Cornyn and Attorney General Ken Paxton. This showdown follows a March primary in which neither candidate secured a majority. The outcome may have significant implications for the Senate, particularly after former President Donald Trump endorsed Paxton last week, shifting the dynamics of the campaign.

Cornyn, who has been in office since 2002, was the top vote-getter during the March primary but failed to gain over 50% of the votes. Trump’s support for Paxton is seen as a game-changer, with Rice University political science professor Mark Jones remarking that the endorsement transformed the competition into a stark advantage for Paxton. The Senate Republican fundraising arm has reportedly invested millions to support Cornyn, anticipating a tougher general election if Paxton wins.

Multiple other races are also on the runoff ballot, including contests for attorney general, the state railroad commissioner, and several congressional districts. In the attorney general runoff, U.S. Rep. Chip Roy and state Sen. Mayes Middleton are vying for the nomination, while Democrats are competing for their nomination, with state Sen. Nathan Johnson facing former Galveston Mayor Joe Jaworski.

In congressional districts, incumbents Rep. Christian Menefee and Rep. Al Green are battling in the 18th District, while the 35th District sees Democrats working to prevent Maureen Galindo, accused of antisemitism, from winning her primary. The runoff for the 33rd District features incumbent Rep. Julie Johnson against former Rep. Colin Allred.

The Texas attorney general race is already the most expensive in history, with both parties heavily investing in its outcome. As these races unfold, they are expected to shape the political landscape heading into the general election in November.