Texas Senate Primaries Smash Spending Records as Trump Stays Neutral
The Republican and Democratic primaries for U.S. Senator John Cornyn's seat in Texas have shattered nationwide spending records, surpassing $122 million before the general election, marking the most expensive primary race for a single seat in American history. Despite the high stakes in one of the country's largest states, President Donald Trump has refrained from endorsing any candidate, even as he visits Corpus Christi with all three Republican contenders present.
Republican Rivalry: Cornyn vs. Paxton
According to AdImpact, which monitors campaign advertisement expenditures, the Senate primary in Texas has reached $122 million, with $69 million coming from Senator John Cornyn and his allies. Cornyn, a four-term incumbent, faces a significant challenge from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, a favorite of the MAGA movement due to his legal actions against the 2020 election results, anti-abortion stance, and hardline border policies. In contrast, pro-Paxton spending totals only $4.1 million.
However, Paxton's campaign is marred by controversy. He was impeached by the Republican-controlled Texas House in 2023, though acquitted by the state Senate, and his wife announced a divorce last year citing biblical grounds related to alleged affairs. Cornyn has capitalized on this, accusing Paxton of dishonesty and untrustworthiness, claiming he has lied to his family, taxpayers, and staff.
Polls consistently show Paxton leading against both Cornyn and Representative Wesley Hunt, a two-term congressman from Houston. If no candidate secures a majority, a runoff is scheduled for May 26. Many Republicans view Cornyn as insufficiently supportive of Trump, particularly after he negotiated a gun control bill following the 2022 Uvalde school shooting.
Democratic Duel: Talarico vs. Crockett
On the Democratic side, the primary features state legislator James Talarico from Austin against Representative Jasmine Crockett from Dallas. Crockett entered the race late, prompting former congressman Colin Allred to withdraw. Talarico and his supporters have outspent Crockett significantly, with $22.1 million compared to her $4.6 million.
Early voting data indicates higher participation in the Democratic primary, with 1,018,125 votes cast versus 872,006 in the Republican primary as of Thursday, according to VoteHub. This competitive dynamic on both sides has driven the unprecedented spending, as it marks the first time both parties in Texas have fiercely contested Senate primaries simultaneously.
Polls in Texas close on Tuesday, setting the stage for a potentially historic outcome in this record-breaking electoral battle.
