Trump's involvement in Texas 2026 midterm races shapes Republican strategy

Who's involved

• Donald TrumpPresident; endorsed Paxton in Republican primary
• Ken PaxtonAttorney General; Republican Senate candidate
• John CornynIncumbent senator; Republican primary opponent to Paxton
• James TalaricoState representative; Democratic Senate candidate
• Greg AbbottGovernor; Republican gubernatorial candidate
• Gina HinojosaState representative; Democratic gubernatorial candidate

The facts

• Trump routed Vice President Kamala Harris in Texas by nearly 14 percentage points in 2024, helping propel down-ballot GOP candidates to victory.^{1 2} Stated by 2 sources
• Trump endorsed Paxton in the Republican primary over incumbent John Cornyn despite warnings from national GOP leaders that Paxton was a weaker general election candidate.^{1 2} Stated by 2 sources
• Trump visited Texas three times recently, including headlining the GOP's first midterm convention in Dallas, and made stops in Denton and San Antonio.^{1 2} Stated by 2 sources
• Gov. Abbott was absent from Trump's stops in Denton and San Antonio, focusing instead on his race against Democratic state Rep. Gina Hinojosa.^{1 2} Stated by 2 sources
• Early voting in Texas starts Oct. 19.^{1 2} Stated by 2 sources
• Democrats say they are making inroads in suburban areas including Tarrant and Collin counties, potentially putting Republican seats in the Texas Legislature at risk.^{1 2} Stated by 2 sources

Who said what

These are statements and claims made by the people involved. They are reported, not verified.

• National GOP leaders Paxton was a weaker general election candidate and his nomination could jeopardize the party's hold on the Senate seat.^{1 2}
• Democratic leaders They are making inroads in suburban areas including Tarrant and Collin counties.^{1 2}