Texas Sen. John Cornyn still lags behind state Attorney General Ken Paxton in Texas' Republican primary for the U.S. Senate, but would overtake him if President Donald Trump endorses him, a new poll shows.
The survey, conducted by Change Research, showed Paxton ahead with 42% of the support, compared to Cornyn's 39%. However, Cornyn would leapfrog his opponent by a 3-point margin should he get Trump's endorsement.
Paxton, on his end, would largely solidify his advantage if Trump supports him, getting 50% of the support compared to Cornyn's 40%.
The president, however, has yet to endorse either candidate and this week missed a key deadline to do so. CNN noted that the time has now passed for either candidate to withdraw their name from the ballot. The outlet quoted officials saying that Trump is focused on the war with Iran and has not thought about the matter.
Both the names of Cornyn and Paxton will be listed on the ballot in the runoff, which will take place on May 26. Trump has so far avoided making an announcement when consulted about the issue, most recently saying they can both beat he Democratic candidate, state Rep. James Talarico. "I'll let you know that over the next week or so," Trump told NBC News during the weekend.
He went on to say that "a lot has to do with the SAVE America Act." A lot is going to determine — Republicans have to get that passed, because that will secure voting in this country."
The outlet noted that earlier this week Cornyn abandoned his long-standing support for the Senate filibuster, saying he will back "whatever changes to Senate rules that may prove necessary" to pass the SAVE America act, which would implement voting restrictions.
Trump was expected to endorse Senator John Cornyn in the party's Texas primary, but it stalled after his intention was leaked to the press, according to a recent report.
CNN detailed in another report that, as the announcement didn't come, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton made a move that helped his chances of not being at odds with Trump's wishes.
He said he would consider dropping out of the race if the Senate passed the SAVE America act. White House officials told the outlet that Paxton's was a "genius" move and kept him in play, even if it ends up being temporary. Different reports suggest he is set to back Cornyn, with Republican officials saying he will be a stronger candidate in the general election than Paxton, who has gone through different controversies in his political career.
The president urged the candidate who he doesn't back to drop out of the race, but Paxton anticipated he will remain in the race even despite Trump's wishes, saying "I owe it to the people of Texas."
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