WASHINGTON — Former President Donald Trump said he will announce an endorsement soon in the Texas Republican Senate primary runoff, ending months of public silence on his preferred candidate in the high-stakes race.
“I think MAGA has never been more together,” Trump told reporters Tuesday during a tour of the construction site for his planned White House ballroom. “I’m going to make an endorsement today in Texas. I’m going to be putting an endorsement out in a little while.” He later said the announcement would come around 12:30 p.m. ET to 1 p.m. ET.
Early voting is already underway in the runoff between incumbent Sen. John Cornyn and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. Election Day is May 26. The GOP winner will face Democrat James Talarico, a state representative who has mounted a well-funded campaign in the traditionally Republican state.
Trump had previously held off backing either candidate. The runoff pitches establishment-backed Cornyn against Paxton, who is viewed as more popular with Trump’s MAGA base.
A Texas Public Opinion Research poll conducted April 17–20 found Talarico ahead against both Republicans, leading Cornyn 44% to 41% and Paxton 46% to 41%.