John Cornyn’s last stand and Democratic fights: What to watch in Tuesday’s Texas primaries

Tuesday’s primary runoffs in Texas will put President Donald Trump’s endorsement to the test again — the latest step in a mission to punish some incumbent Republicans he has deemed insufficiently loyal

Tuesday’s primary runoffs in Texas will put President Donald Trump’s endorsement to the test again — the latest step in a mission to punish some incumbent Republicans he has deemed insufficiently loyal.

Subscribe to read this story ad-free

Get unlimited access to ad-free articles and exclusive content.

Trump is backing state Attorney General Ken Paxton in the Senate Republican primary runoff over longtime GOP Sen. John Cornyn, a move that prompted concerns from party members who believe Paxton could put the Senate seat at risk. The winner of the GOP runoff will face state Rep. James Talarico, who won the Democratic Senate nomination in March.

Texas also has a slew of House primary runoffs on tap Tuesday, including one in a battleground district where a secretive group with some Republican links has spent to boost a controversial Democrat. Two Democratic incumbents could also lose House primaries, and a handful of winners in solidly Republican seats will likely be heading to Congress next year.