Texas GOP Runoffs Showcase Trump Endorsements in Key Races

Texas Republicans head to the polls Tuesday for primary runoff elections that could reshape the state’s political landscape and test the influence of former President Donald Trump’s endorsements. The most closely watched contest pits incumbent Sen. John Cornyn against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in a runoff that has become the most expensive Senate primary in history, with over $120 million spent on advertising.

Cornyn, first elected in 2002 and a former Senate GOP whip, narrowly led the March primary with 42% of the vote but failed to secure a majority. Paxton, a staunch Trump ally and Texas attorney general since 2014, finished just behind with 41%. Trump’s endorsement of Paxton last week marked a turning point, with the former president calling Paxton a “True MAGA warrior” and noting Paxton’s support for the SAVE America Act, a voting law overhaul requiring proof of citizenship and photo ID to vote.

Trump also criticized Cornyn for his hesitance to support him in 2016, when Cornyn stayed neutral in the GOP primary. Cornyn responded by emphasizing his support for Trump’s agenda and urged Texas Republicans to choose a strong nominee to help GOP candidates down ballot and defeat Democrat James Talarico, who won the Democratic nomination in March. Political analysts note Trump’s endorsement has tilted the race sharply in Paxton’s favor, despite concerns from GOP leaders about Paxton’s legal controversies, including a 2023 impeachment by the Texas House on bribery and corruption charges, from which he was acquitted by the state Senate.

The runoff also features high-stakes House races shaped by recent redistricting. In the heavily Democratic 18th Congressional District, two incumbents, Rep. Christian Menefee and Rep. Al Green, face off after their districts were merged. Menefee, 38, won a special election earlier this year and leads in recent polls, while Green, 80, known for his opposition to Trump, seeks to maintain his seat.

In the 35th District, Democrats confront a controversial runoff between Maureen Galindo, a sex therapist accused of antisemitic remarks, and Johnny Garcia, a former sheriff’s deputy. Galindo narrowly led the March primary but has drawn condemnation from House Democrats, with some threatening to seek her expulsion if elected. A super PAC with Republican links has spent about $1 million supporting Galindo, fueling speculation that Republicans aim to weaken Democratic chances in the district. Garcia has received endorsements from prominent Democrats, including Texas Senate nominee Talarico and Rep. Greg Casar.

The 33rd District in the Dallas area features a Democratic runoff between incumbent Rep. Julie Johnson and former Rep. Colin Allred. The district was redrawn to be less Democratic, intensifying the contest. Allred received the most votes in March with over 10 points ahead of Johnson but did not secure a majority, leading to the runoff.

Republican primaries in the 35th and 33rd districts also hold runoffs. In the 35th District, state Rep. John Lujan, backed by Gov. Greg Abbott, faces Air Force veteran Carlos De La Cruz, who is supported by former President Trump. In the 33rd District, Republican candidates Patrick David Gillespie and John Sims are in a runoff, though neither has notable endorsements linked to Trump or Abbott.

The attorney general race is another key contest, with state Sen. Mayes Middleton facing Rep. Chip Roy in the GOP runoff. Middleton, who calls himself “MAGA Mayes,” is backed by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, while Roy, a former Paxton aide and Cruz ally, has support from Sen. Ted Cruz. Trump has not endorsed in this race but his influence is evident in the attacks and defenses surrounding loyalty to the former president.

On the Democratic side, former Galveston Mayor Joe Jaworski and state Sen. Nathan Johnson vie for the nomination, though Democrats have not won statewide office in Texas since 1994.

Texas’ railroad commissioner race also features a contentious GOP runoff between incumbent Jim Wright and Bo French, a former county GOP chair with a history of controversial statements. Wright is backed by Governor Abbott and other establishment Republicans, while French has support from some Trump-aligned figures.

Tuesday’s runoffs will close the chapter on a fiercely contested primary season, with Trump’s endorsements playing a pivotal role in several races and the outcomes likely to influence Texas’ political direction heading into the November general election.