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Tight runoff for Texas GOP senate candidates
Multiple factors could play into how the Texas runoff election could go for Republicans John Cornyn and Ken Paxton. FOX 26's Mekenna Earnhart explains the factors, and spoke to a well-known Texas politician and UH students about it.
HOUSTON, Texas - Senator John Cornyn and Attorney General Ken Paxton are headed to a May 26 runoff after neither secured 50% of the vote on Tuesday. Meanwhile, a well-known Texas politician says the extended Republican contest gives Democrats a strategic head start for the general election.
Texas Primary runoff: Paxton's ultimatum
What they're saying:
The Republican primary runoff for the U.S. Senate took a strategic turn Thursday as Attorney General Ken Paxton offered a conditional withdrawal from the race, tying his political future to a key piece of federal voting legislation.
Following Tuesday’s primary, which left incumbent Senator John Cornyn and Paxton just points apart, President Trump posted to Truth Social that he would issue an endorsement "soon." The President added that he expects the candidate he does not pick to "immediately DROP OUT OF THE RACE" for the good of the party.
Paxton says he might drop from Senate race if federal voter ID bill passes
Texas AG Ken Paxton says he would consider dropping out of the U.S. Senate runoff election if Congress passes the SAVE America Act, which would require proof of citizenship to vote.
Paxton responded Thursday by issuing an ultimatum on social media. He indicated a willingness to consider leaving the race if Senate Republican leadership agrees to scrap the filibuster and pass the SAVE America Act, which would require documentary proof of citizenship to register to vote in federal elections.
"The Save America Act is the most important bill the U.S. Senate could ever pass, and I'm committed to helping President Trump get it done," Paxton posted on X. "I would consider dropping out of this race if Senate Leadership agrees to lift the filibuster and passes the SAVE America Act."
In his post, Paxton characterized the move as an effort to pass the President’s agenda while criticizing Senator Cornyn’s stance on Senate procedural rules. Senator Cornyn, who has voiced support for the bill itself but has historically defended the 60-vote filibuster threshold, responded by reiterating his support for the legislation without addressing the procedural demand.
Beneficial for Democrats?
The other side:
While the Republican field remains divided, Democratic nominee James Talarico has begun his general election campaign.
Former Congressman Beto O’Rourke spoke to FOX 26 about the runoff while at the University of Houston leading voter registration efforts for Powered by People.
"I think this is the most favorable condition Democrats could be in," O’Rourke said, noting that the 12-week GOP runoff gives Democrats time to "consolidate support" and "widen the tent."
Runoff election date
What's next:
The runoff election is scheduled for Tuesday, May 26.
Student voters at UH, like 24-year-old senior Kathia Esparza, said they are staying focused on the long-term goal. "Our voice is always meant to be heard," Esparza said. "The way it's heard is through voting."
MORE: These Texas primary races are heading to a runoff
The Source: Ken Paxton’s official X account, Donald Trump’s Truth Social account, Beto O’Rourke interview, The Texas Secretary of State, and previous FOX reports.