...
By Dan Gooding and Gabe Whisnant
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said he would consider dropping out of the state’s U.S. Senate race if GOP leaders agree to eliminate the filibuster and pass President Donald Trump’s SAVE America Act.
In a post on X, Paxton framed the offer as an effort to advance Trump’s agenda, calling the voting‑related bill the most important legislation the Senate could pass. He sharply criticized incumbent Senator John Cornyn, accusing his primary opponent of refusing to back changes to Senate rules needed to move the bill forward.
"John Cornyn is a coward who has refused to support abolishing the filibuster to pass this bill. Now, Fake News reporters and the establishment are trying to destroy me with misinformation," Paxton said on X. "For the good of our country and for the good of passing President Trump's agenda, I am determined to help him get this done."
Read More on U.S.
Paxton also portrayed himself as one of Trump’s most loyal allies, citing his efforts to challenge the 2020 election and support the president amid ongoing legal battles.
Why Would Ken Paxton Consider Dropping Out?
Nobody captured 50 percent of the vote in Tuesday's Republican primary in Texas. The Associated Press showed four-term Senator John Cornyn with 42.9 percent and Paxton with 40.5 percent, meaning a runoff vote will be necessary.
Paxton has long been a supporter of Trump's agenda and heavily criticized the Biden administration over its border policies. He has led multiple legal challenges against more liberal policies, including transgender health care.
He has also been embroiled in his own legal, ethical and political challenges, including impeachment by the GOP-controlled Texas House and revelations of an affair that led to his wife filing for divorce in July 2025.
Following Tuesday's results, the GOP will likely want to avoid a contentious and expensive runoff if it wants to unite behind a candidate to ensure it keeps the seat.
Trump Expected To Back John Cornyn: What We Know
The president is expected to endorse Cornyn for the May runoff election, according to The Atlantic, which spoke to three people familiar with the matter. However, the magazine said its sources noted that Trump is prone to last-minute changes.
In a post on Truth Social, the president praised both Republicans for their campaigns but said neither had done enough to unify the race, adding that he plans to issue an endorsement soon and will urge the losing candidate to drop out.
"Is that fair? We must win in November!!! Thank you for your attention to this matter," Trump concluded.
Trump also pointed to his past election wins in Texas and said his endorsements have been highly successful there.
When asked by Politico about Paxton's potential refusal to exit the race, Trump said that would be "bad for him" and that perhaps he would lean in the other direction, meaning Cornyn.
...
What Is the Save America Act?
Under the bill, voters would have to present proof of identity in person, using documents such as a U.S. passport or birth certificate, in order to register to vote. The legislation also mandates photo identification for in‑person voting and tightens rules for mail‑in ballots, requiring voters to submit a copy of an approved ID, both when requesting and returning an absentee ballot.
Republicans have been pushing for voter ID for some time, with a version of the bill passing in the House last year, arguing that new measures are needed to prevent election fraud.
Concerns have arisen around the requirements, which critics say could exclude women who have changed their name when getting married and those with clerical errors on their documents from voting, even though they have a constitutional right to do so.
In recent weeks, Trump has been pushing lawmakers to get the bill passed so it can be in place ahead of the midterms in November.
What People Are Saying
Team Cornyn, on X on Tuesday night: "We will not allow a flawed, self-centered, and shameless failure like Crooked Ken Paxton to risk everything this Republican Party has built. Not on Senator @JohnCornyn's watch."
Former Georgia Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, a Republican, on X: “Trump now says he is going to endorse either Cornyn or Paxton and demands that whoever does not get his endorsement must drop out of the runoff. This is wrong and the people of Texas should be able to vote for WHOEVER THEY WANT!!! NOT the candidate Trump demands. People are furious over this and if Trump does this, it could actually be the real reason Texas Senate seat flips blue.”
What Happens Next
Trump is yet to officially announce his endorsement. The runoff vote is scheduled for May 26.
Update 3/5/26, 1:32 p.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information.
In a polarized era, the center is dismissed as bland. At Newsweek, ours is different: The Courageous Center—it's not "both sides," it's sharp, challenging and alive with ideas. We follow facts, not factions. If that sounds like the kind of journalism you want to see thrive, we need you.
When you become a Newsweek Member, you support a mission to keep the center strong and vibrant. Members enjoy: Ad-free browsing, exclusive content and editor conversations. Help keep the center courageous. Join today.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines