Former Texas Governor Rick Perry has pledged significant financial support for Senator John Cornyn as he faces a competitive Republican primary.Speaking in Austin, Perry, who chairs the Lone Star Freedom Project, stated that they would spend "whatever we need" to ensure Cornyn's success, adding to the nearly $18 million already expended on his behalf.
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texastribune.orgCornyn, seeking his fourth term in the US Senate, is currently engaged in a heated contest against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and US Representative Wesley Hunt.With early voting already underway, the race is anticipated to progress into a runoff in May, making it one of the most closely watched contests in the country this election cycle.
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texastribune.orginkl.comThe Texas Senate race has become the second-most expensive in the nation, with total ad spending reaching approximately $98.2 million, according to AdImpact.Pro-Cornyn sources have contributed about three-quarters of the GOP funding, yet recent polling indicates that Paxton is leading the primaries, intensifying the stakes for Cornyn and his supporters.
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texastribune.orginkl.comPerry emphasized the commitment of his group to Cornyn, indicating that their financial backing would continue throughout the runoff if Cornyn advances past the March 3 primary election."We are committed to John, and we will spend whatever we need to spend for him to be successful," Perry remarked, reinforcing the importance of Cornyn's candidacy for the broader Republican agenda in Texas.
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inkl.comCornyn himself has raised alarms about the repercussions of losing the nomination to Paxton, warning that it could lead to an "Election Day massacre" for Republicans in November.He argued that Paxton's nomination would jeopardize the newly drawn congressional seats that Texas Republicans secured to strengthen their slim House majority."We haven't lost a statewide election in Texas since 1994, but we could this year if the wrong person is at the top of the ticket," Cornyn stated, highlighting the potential risks associated with Paxton's candidacy.
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texastribune.orgThe senator has consistently framed his campaign as a bulwark against the ethical concerns surrounding Paxton, who has faced a myriad of legal challenges, including impeachment and securities fraud allegations.Cornyn believes that his moderate stance is essential for retaining support from swing voters who might be put off by Paxton's controversies.
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inkl.comIn contrast, Paxton's campaign is positioning him as a challenger to the establishment, claiming that Cornyn is out of touch with the party's grassroots and the MAGA movement.A spokesperson for Paxton asserted that "character matters in this race," emphasizing that voters see Paxton as a true conservative warrior fighting for their freedoms, despite facing legal adversities.
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inkl.comThe primary race has drawn the attention of notable figures, including former President Donald Trump, who has refrained from endorsing any candidate but acknowledged the potential for a competitive primary.Cornyn expressed his desire for Trump's endorsement, stating that he would be "proud" to receive it, as it could significantly influence the race dynamics.
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inkl.comAs the primary approaches, Perry's support for Cornyn is indicative of the broader Republican efforts to consolidate resources and unify the party ahead of the general election.With Texas's political landscape evolving, the outcome of this primary could have lasting implications for both state and national politics, as candidates on both sides ramp up their campaigns to engage voters ahead of March 3.
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texastribune.orgyahoo.comIn the Democratic primary, candidates like US Rep.Jasmine Crockett and state Rep.James Talarico are also gearing up to compete for a potentially pivotal Senate seat.As tensions rise within both parties, the upcoming primaries promise to be a highly contested battleground in Texas politics, with implications that could resonate beyond state lines.
