Cornyn Concedes Trump Endorsement Likelihood Fades as Texas Primary Enters Early Voting

Incumbent U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) told the *Austin American-Statesman* on Monday that the prospect of former President Donald Trump’s endorsement “has finally sailed.” Early voting for the Republican Senate primary began that same day, and the contest will conclude on May 26.

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Since announcing more than 30 political endorsements on TruthSocial, Trump has praised both Cornyn and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton (R) without naming a preferred candidate. In a March TruthSocial post he wrote, “I will be making an Endorsement soon, and will be asking the candidate that I don’t Endorse to immediately DROP OUT OF THE RACE!” Yet no formal endorsement has been issued as the primary approaches.

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• Early March: Cornyn reported that Trump was “leaning toward me” and suggested Trump asked the non-endorsed candidate to drop out.

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• Late March: Trump posted praise for both candidates on TruthSocial.

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• Early May: Cornyn announced a bill to name a Texas highway after Trump.

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• May 1 (Monday): Early voting began; Cornyn declared the endorsement “ship has finally sailed.”

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• May 26: Election Day; sources caution that an endorsement “cannot be ruled out until dawn on election day.”

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Cornyn explained that Trump’s hesitation stems from calling both candidates “friends” and not wanting to alienate any supporter, adding, “He’s the only one who will make that call.” Pollster Mark P. Jones observed, “One would assume that if [Trump] is going to endorse, he would do so before the start of early voting.” Trump’s own posts remain non-committal, offering praise without naming a preferred candidate.

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Cornyn noted that Paxton’s immediate refusal to drop out after Trump’s implied request caused “some consternation on the part of the President,” highlighting tension within the Republican field.

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While Cornyn believes the endorsement window has closed, the concluding source asserts that an endorsement “cannot be ruled out until dawn on election day,” leaving the outcome uncertain.

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• “I think that ship has finally sailed,” — John Cornyn, U.S. Senator (R-TX)

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• “We have a great Attorney General Ken Paxton. And we have a great senator, John Cornyn.” — Donald Trump, former President

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• “I will be making an Endorsement soon, and will be asking the candidate that I don’t Endorse to immediately DROP OUT OF THE RACE!” — Donald Trump, TruthSocial post

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• “Jones told The Hill, “One would assume that if [Trump] is going to endorse, he would do so before the start of early voting.” — Mark P. Jones, University of Houston pollster

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Both campaigns will continue campaigning through the remaining early-voting period. Observers will watch for any late-stage Trump communication before the May 26 deadline, which could reshape voter expectations on election night.

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