- Trump-Endorsed candidates Ken Paxton, Alex Mealer, Carlos De La Cruz, and Jon Bonck all won by large margins in Republican runoffs
- In a statement on Truth Social, Trump congratulated Paxton, complimented Cornyn, and mocked Democrat nominee James Talarico
- High-profile supporters of Cornyn have urged Republican unity around the Party’s nominees
Candidates endorsed President Donald J. Trump sailed to victory in the Republican Runoff election Tuesday night, demonstrating Trump’s influence with Republican voters in the Lone Star State.
United States Senate Candidate Ken Paxton and Congressional Candidates Alex Mealer, Carlos De La Cruz, and Jon Bonck all won their races by significant margins, ranging from 15.28 points (De La Cruz) to 35.56 points (Mealer) as of the publishing of this article.
Paxton’s 27.68 point victory over longtime incumbent Senator John Cornyn sent shockwaves through political circles across the country, in large part due to the margin of victory Paxton was able to secure despite being massively outspent by Cornyn and groups supporting Cornyn’s candidacy.
In a Truth Social post Wednesday morning, Trump congratulated Paxton on his victory, complimented Cornyn, and compared the Democrat nominee, James Talarico, to MAD Magazine mascot Alfred E. Neuman.
“Congratulations to Ken Paxton on such a tremendous win, and to John Cornyn for having run a strong and powerful race but, more importantly, having had a truly great career. John will remain my friend for a long time to come, as we both watch Ken become a fantastic, common sense Senator, one who is respected by all. His opponent, Alfred E. Neuman, may be the worst TEXAS candidate I have ever seen. A strong Open Borders advocate, he is WEAK ON CRIME, believes there are 6 genders, is insulting to Jesus Christ, will never support the Military, was a big Mask Wearer until recently, and is a Vegan who dislikes meat, not exactly a good way to be if you’re wanting to win an Election in Texas. Jasmine Crockett, a very low IQ individual, who is no relation to the legendary frontiersman, Davy Crockett, would have been a far better choice for the Dumocrats. I will do some nice, big, beautiful rallies for Ken. Texas, this will be FUN! GOD BLESS AMERICA. President DJT,” posted Trump.
Calls for GOP unity began shortly after Paxton’s victory was declared, with high-profile supporters of Senator Cornyn calling on Republicans to rally around Paxton and other Republican nominees.
“Some Republicans I backed won. Some lost. But now our GOP ticket is set — and you can be sure I’ll be supporting every Republican from top to bottom this November. The radical progressive left, led by their new hero James Talarico, is aggressively coming after Texas and the values that make our state strong. He supports a state income tax and open borders. He claims that God is nonbinary and believes that there are six genders — not to mention his support for abortion, on demand, up until 40 weeks, paid for with our taxpayer dollars.
Bottom line: We Republicans must quickly heal and unite from these bruising primaries — and I promise to do my part to help make that happen. The Texas we know and love is worth it,” tweeted State Representative Jeff Leach.
Trump’s shadow also loomed large in races where he did not make an endorsement.
State Senator Mayes Middleton, styling himself as “MAGA Mayes”, scored a 10-point victory over Republican Congressman Chip Roy in the race for Attorney General. Middleton and his allies painted Roy as an antagonist of Trump in Congress.
Lt. Governor Dan Patrick, one of President Trump’s closest political allies in Texas, was particularly vocal with his criticisms of Roy during the closing days of the campaign.
“As I’ve said, shown, and proven all week, using video of Chip Roy’s own words, Chip is not and has never been an ally of President Trump. It’s quite the opposite: Chip is President [Trump]’s biggest royal pain in the a** and biggest Republican opponent in Texas. As three-time Chair of President Trump’s Texas Campaign, I can say that with certainty,” wrote Patrick last week.
Patrick added, “Chip has nobody to blame but himself. He’s fought the President since 2016.”
In other notable races:
- Rancher and businessman Tom Sell defeated conservative activist Abraham Enriquez by 28 points to succeed Congressman Jodey Arrington in Congressional District 19, which encompasses an area of West Texas including Lubbock and Abilene.
- Former Tarrant County Republican Chairman Bo French won a narrow victory against incumbent Railroad Commissioner Jim Wright.
- Former Congressman and U.S Senate candidate Colin Allred was victorious in his comeback bid, defeating incumbent Congresswoman Julie Johnson in the Democrat Primary for Congressional District 33.
- Congressman Christian Menefee defeated longtime Congressman Al Green in the Democrat Primary in the newly redrawn Congressional District 18.
