Overview
- Public Policy Polling found James Talarico leading John Cornyn 44%–43% and Ken Paxton 47%–45%, with a ±4.1 point margin of error and stronger favorability than either Republican.
- Cornyn and Paxton advanced to a May 26 GOP runoff after first‑round totals of 41.9% and 40.7%, respectively, leaving Democrats with a settled nominee in Talarico.
- Trump said he will endorse one candidate and ask the other to exit, and Politico reports he is now holding off to pressure Senate Republicans on the SAVE America Act; Paxton has said he would consider dropping out if the bill passes and the filibuster is lifted, while Cornyn replied he supports the bill and a talking filibuster.
- A Texas Public Opinion Research survey shows Paxton leading Cornyn in the runoff 49%–41%, edging by 1 point even if Trump backs Cornyn and expanding to 58%–32% if Trump backs Paxton.
- Ad Impact tallied a record $131 million in primary ads, nearly $100 million on the GOP side with more than $71 million supporting Cornyn, as Republicans warn Paxton could endanger the seat and Cornyn opens new attack ads highlighting Paxton’s scandals.