Trump Demands Non-Endorsed Candidate Exit Texas Senate Race to Avoid Runoff

Trump Intervenes in Texas Senate Primary Race·January 27 – April 2, 2026

1 month ago

Trump Demands Non-Endorsed Candidate Exit Texas Senate Race to Avoid Runoff

Donald Trump is pressuring Texas Senate candidates John Cornyn and Ken Paxton. He demanded that the candidate he does not endorse must leave the race. Trump said he wants one candidate to move forward to keep the party from being divided Trump makes demand of Cornyn, Paxton. This demand came after weeks of silence from Trump about the race Trump Injects More Drama in Texas Primary. Senator Cornyn said he hoped for Trump's support after the March primary Cornyn hopes for President Trump endorsement. Attorney General Paxton said he could win the race even without Trump's help Paxton believes he will crush Cornyn. Trump did not make a final choice before the deadline, so both men remain in the runoff election.

Trump makes demand of Cornyn, Paxton as he teases Texas Senate endorsementTrump Injects More Drama in Texas Primary With Silence on Senate RaceCornyn hopes for President Trump endorsement after March 3rd primary during expected runoff in Texas Senate GOP contest

Key Statements

CCNN

“President Trump misses the deadline to endorse a candidate in the Texas GOP Senate runoff, preventing the non-endorsed candidate from withdrawing from the ballot.”

This explains why the race remains a two-way contest despite Trump's intervention.

FFox News

“Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton confirms he will remain in the Republican primary for U.S. Senate against incumbent John Cornyn, regardless of a potential endorsement from Donald Trump.”

This shows candidates are defying Trump's pressure to consolidate the field.