Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Trump Delays Senate Endorsement Amid Texas GOP Tensions

3/18/2026

45 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump has not endorsed either candidate in the Texas GOP Senate runoff, missing a key endorsement deadline ahead of May 26, 2026.
The runoff features John Cornyn, U.S. Senator from Texas, and Ken Paxton, Texas Attorney General, on the ballot.
Trump is preoccupied with the Iran war and the SAVE America Act, delaying endorsement.
Paxton's controversial past and Cornyn's push to abolish the filibuster add race tension.

History

Historical Context

The 2013 "Gang of Eight" immigration reform bill, supported by Senator John McCain, sought to provide a pathway to citizenship for 11 million undocumented immigrants amid ongoing immigration debates. As the Texas GOP navigates internal divisions ahead of the 2026 elections, candidates John Cornyn and Ken Paxton face challenges shaped by past legislative failures and Trump's non-endorsement, potentially impacting party unity.

1 of 2

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump has not endorsed either candidate in the Texas GOP Senate runoff, missing a key endorsement deadline ahead of May 26, 2026.
The runoff features John Cornyn, U.S. Senator from Texas, and Ken Paxton, Texas Attorney General, on the ballot.
Trump is preoccupied with the Iran war and the SAVE America Act, delaying endorsement.
Paxton's controversial past and Cornyn's push to abolish the filibuster add race tension.

1 / 2