This Texas Republican congressman endorses Paxton over Cornyn in Senate primary brawl

Republican Rep. Lance Gooden of Texas has made his stance clear in the state’s contentious GOP Senate primary battle between Sen. John Cornyn and Attorney General Ken Paxton. Gooden, a staunch supporter of former President Donald Trump, endorsed Paxton on Thursday, citing him as the conservative champion needed in the U.S. Senate.

Gooden’s endorsement follows that of fellow Texas Republican Rep. Troy Nehls, who also threw his support behind Paxton. As Cornyn gears up for what will undoubtedly be a tough re-election campaign, he has the backing of Senate Majority Leader John Thune and the National Republican Senatorial Committee. However, Trump’s influence within the GOP remains strong, and his endorsement in the primary race could be a game-changer.

Paxton officially entered the race on Fox News’ “The Ingraham Angle,” emphasizing the need for a change in Texas and a senator who will fight for Republican values and support Trump’s agenda. Paxton has long criticized Cornyn for not representing conservative Texans and has labeled him a “RINO.” Cornyn, on the other hand, highlights his 92% voting record with Trump and dismisses Paxton’s motives as driven by vanity and personal ambition.

Paxton’s tenure as Texas attorney general has been marked by legal battles and controversies, including securities fraud charges, bribery allegations, and impeachment by the Texas House of Representatives. Despite surviving these challenges, Paxton’s past could be a focal point of attacks in the Senate race.

The upcoming GOP primary is expected to be a fierce and expensive battle, with both candidates raising significant funds and trading blows. The potential entry of Rep. Wesley Hunt into the race adds another dimension, with Hunt making the case that he is the candidate who can win both the primary and the general election. Hunt’s campaign is already running ads across Texas to boost his visibility.

The winner of the Republican primary will likely be the favorite in the general election, where they will face off against the Democratic nominee. Former Rep. Colin Allred has hinted at a possible Senate bid, setting the stage for a competitive race in Texas next year. As the candidates gear up for what promises to be a heated campaign, the Lone Star State is set to witness a high-stakes battle for the Senate seat.