Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who is challenging Sen. John Cornyn in a Republican primary runoff for the U.S. Senate seat, said that he would “consider dropping out” of the race if Senate leadership lifts the filibuster and passes the SAVE America Act (Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act), which aims to require proof of citizenship for federal voter registration.
“The Save America Act is the most important bill the U.S. Senate could ever pass, and I’m committed to helping President Trump get it done,” Paxton posted on X March 5. “I would consider dropping out of this race if Senate Leadership agrees to lift the filibuster and passes the SAVE America Act.”
The Save America Act is the most important bill the U.S. Senate could ever pass, and I'm committed to helping President Trump get it done.
I would consider dropping out of this race if Senate Leadership agrees to lift the filibuster and passes the SAVE America Act.
John Cornyn…
— Attorney General Ken Paxton (@KenPaxtonTX) March 5, 2026
As The Dallas Express reported, after the primary on March 3, both Cornyn and Paxton were headed to a runoff.
Paxton narrowly trailed Cornyn in the Republican primary, by 40.68% to 41.89%, according to recent data. This sent the race to a runoff on May 26.
Republican leaders are bracing for what could prove to be a costly election after Cornyn’s allies already reportedly spent $69 million on ads in the Texas primary, according to AdImpact. They are also preparing for the November election against Democrat State Rep. James Talarico, who beat U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett for the nomination.
President Donald Trump teased an endorsement in the race on March 4, calling the primary campaigns to stop immediately. He called Talarico “Radical Left” and “easy to beat,” but said Republicans must unite against him – “IT MUST STOP NOW!”
“Both John and Ken ran great races, but not good enough,” Trump posted on Truth Social. “…Almost everyone I Endorse WINS, and wins by a lot, especially in Texas! I will be making my Endorsement soon, and will be asking the candidate that I don’t Endorse to immediately DROP OUT OF THE RACE! Is that fair?”
Paxton posted on X, “The truth is clear: No one has been more loyal to Donald Trump than me—fighting the stolen 2020 election, being in Mar-a-Lago when he announced his 2024 campaign, and standing with him in NY in the face of lawfare.”
“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 added.
If the establishment fought as hard for the SAVE America Act as they do for a weak incumbent who spent $100 million only to be rejected by nearly 60% of GOP voters, it would already be law.
It's sad incumbent protection is more important than advancing President Trump's agenda.
— Attorney General Ken Paxton (@KenPaxtonTX) March 5, 2026
“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,” stated Paxton.
