A growing political clash is unfolding in Texas as Attorney General Ken Paxton signals he might be willing to step aside in the Republican Senate primary runoff—but only under very specific conditions tied to national election legislation.
Paxton and incumbent Senator John Cornyn advanced to a runoff after finishing nearly tied in the initial Republican primary. Cornyn received about 42 percent of the vote, while Paxton secured roughly 41 percent. Representative Wesley Hunt finished third with about 14 percent, leaving his supporters as a key bloc that could determine the outcome of the May 26 runoff.
The situation intensified after President Donald Trump announced he plans to endorse one of the two candidates and suggested the candidate who does not receive his endorsement should withdraw from the race in order to avoid a divisive contest.
“I will be making my Endorsement soon, and will be asking the candidate that I don’t Endorse to immediately DROP OUT OF THE RACE! Is that fair? We must win in November!!!” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
Paxton quickly signaled he would not automatically comply if Trump endorses Cornyn. According to reports, Trump responded to Paxton’s statement during an interview, calling the response “bad for him to say” and suggesting it could influence his endorsement decision.
Later, Paxton introduced a dramatic condition under which he said he might reconsider staying in the race: the Senate abolishing the filibuster in order to pass the Safeguarding American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act.
“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 wrote on X. “I would consider dropping out of this race if Senate leadership agrees to lift the filibuster and passes the SAVE America Act.”
The legislation would require documentary proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote, mandate photo identification in federal elections, and require states to verify voter rolls and remove non-citizens. Supporters argue the bill is necessary to strengthen election integrity, while critics say existing safeguards already address the issue.
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.
I would consider dropping out of this race if Senate Leadership agrees to lift the filibuster and passes the SAVE America Act.
John Cornyn…
— Attorney General Ken Paxton (@KenPaxtonTX) March 5, 2026
Paxton also used the moment to attack Cornyn directly, accusing the senator of lacking the political will to pass the measure.
“John Cornyn is a coward who has refused to support abolishing the filibuster to pass this bill,” Paxton said.
Paxton framed his stance as loyalty to Trump and the broader political agenda associated with the president. He pointed to his past efforts supporting Trump, including challenging the results of the 2020 election and appearing alongside Trump during key moments of the 2024 campaign.
“The truth is clear: No one has been more loyal to Donald Trump than me,” Paxton wrote.
With Trump’s endorsement still pending and the runoff approaching, the Texas race has quickly become one of the most closely watched Republican contests in the country.
