Tim Scott backs John Cornyn, John Rich backs Paxton

National Republican Senatorial Committee chair Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., has thrown his support behind Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, in his bid for re-election as he faces a challenge from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. However, country music star John Rich has sided with Paxton, who recently announced his U.S. Senate bid.

In a statement posted on X, Scott praised Cornyn as a leader who delivers on President Trump’s agenda and fights for the people of Texas in the U.S. Senate. Scott described Cornyn as a proven fighter, a man of faith, and an essential part of the Republican Senate Majority.

John Rich, on the other hand, compared Cornyn to Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., and expressed his support for Paxton in a social media post. Rich likened Cornyn to Graham, which he considered the worst thing one could say about someone, and urged Paxton to “Go get ’em!”

A spokesperson for the Cornyn campaign, contacted by Fox News Digital, did not provide a comment from the lawmaker at the time of publication. Similarly, a spokesperson for the Graham campaign declined to comment.

President Donald Trump faced conservative backlash after endorsing Graham for re-election last month, highlighting the divisions within the Republican Party.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., had previously voiced his support for Cornyn as the lawmaker launched his re-election campaign. Thune praised Cornyn as one of the most effective and respected conservative leaders in the country, emphasizing the need to keep him in the Senate to continue delivering on President Trump’s agenda.

Former Rep. Matt Gaetz, a Florida Republican, also expressed his support for Paxton this week by tweeting, “Ken Paxton for Senate!”

The upcoming Senate race in Texas promises to be a contentious battle, with Cornyn and Paxton receiving endorsements from prominent figures within the Republican Party. As the campaign heats up, the support from key figures like Tim Scott and John Rich will play a crucial role in shaping the outcome of the election.

The Republican primary in Texas is set to be highly competitive, with both Cornyn and Paxton vying for the party’s nomination. It remains to be seen how the endorsements from Scott, Rich, and others will impact the race and ultimately determine who will represent the Lone Star State in the U.S. Senate.

Alex Nitzberg is a writer for Fox News Digital.