Sen. Ted Cruz remains neutral in the Texas GOP Senate runoff, citing friendships with both John Cornyn and Ken Paxton amid a high-stakes nomination battle.
Senator Ted Cruz has announced his decision to remain neutral in the contentious GOP Senate runoff in Texas, which features longtime Senator John Cornyn and state Attorney General Ken Paxton. Cruz, a three-term Republican senator, emphasized his close relationships with both candidates, stating, “I like John. I like Ken. They’re both friends of mine. I have supported both of them in the past. I’ve worked closely with both of them. I’ve endorsed both of them. I’ve campaigned with both of them, and so I’m staying out.”
The runoff election is scheduled for May 26, and the winner will face Democratic nominee state Representative James Talarico in the general election this fall. This race is considered critical, as it could play a significant role in determining whether the GOP retains its Senate majority in the upcoming midterms. Currently, Republicans hold a narrow advantage in the chamber, with a 53-47 split.
In the initial primary held on March 3, Cornyn narrowly defeated Paxton by just one percentage point, making them the top two contenders in a crowded field of Republican candidates. Since neither candidate secured more than 50% of the vote, the race advanced to a runoff.
While some of Cruz’s top political advisors have expressed support for Paxton, the senator has chosen not to endorse either candidate. “I trust the voters of Texas to make this decision,” he remarked, reinforcing his stance of neutrality.
Talarico, a rising star within the Democratic Party, emerged victorious in his primary against progressive candidate Rep. Jasmine Crockett, who is known for her vocal criticism of former President Donald Trump. Talarico aims to become the first Democrat in nearly four decades to win a Senate election in Texas, a state that has traditionally leaned Republican.
The Cornyn campaign, along with affiliated super PACs, has invested heavily in advertising that targets Paxton, warning that a nomination of Paxton could jeopardize the GOP’s chances in the general election. Cornyn and his supporters, including the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC), have highlighted the numerous scandals and legal issues that have plagued Paxton over the years, as well as his ongoing contentious divorce.
Paxton, a staunch ally of Trump and a prominent figure in the MAGA movement, has gained national attention for his legal battles against the Obama and Biden administrations. He has countered Cornyn’s criticisms by questioning the senator’s conservative credentials and past support for Trump.
Despite the ongoing primary campaign, Trump has maintained a neutral position. Shortly after Cornyn and Paxton advanced to the runoff, Trump announced on social media that he would be making an endorsement soon, adding that he would “be asking the candidate that I don’t Endorse to immediately DROP OUT OF THE RACE!” While many anticipated Trump would back Cornyn, he has yet to make a public endorsement, leaving the door open for Paxton’s supporters to remain hopeful.
Last weekend, Paxton visited Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence for a GOP dinner in Palm Beach County, where he reportedly had a brief meeting with the former president. Sources familiar with the encounter described it as a “check in” between Trump and Paxton, a meeting that was first reported by Politico.
Although there has been limited public opinion polling regarding the runoff, the two surveys that have been conducted suggest that Paxton currently holds a slight lead over Cornyn. The contest between these two candidates is perceived by many Republicans as a pivotal struggle between the grassroots MAGA movement and the party establishment, reflecting broader tensions within the GOP.
As the runoff approaches, the stakes are high for both candidates, and the outcome could have lasting implications for the Republican Party in Texas and beyond, according to Fox News.