Former President Donald Trump said he is still considering which candidate to endorse in the upcoming Texas U.S. Senate runoff, signaling that his decision may hinge on the fate of the SAVE America Act.
Trump spoke to NBC News on Saturday about the May 26 runoff between Sen. John Cornyn and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, describing both as “electable” and noting he has a favorable view of each candidate.
“I like him. I always liked him,” Trump said of Cornyn, adding, “I like both candidates very much.” He indicated that a final endorsement could come within the next week.
SAVE America Act as a Key Factor
Trump emphasized the legislation, which passed the House and is set for Senate consideration next week, as a central factor in his decision. The act proposes sweeping changes to election rules nationwide, including requiring proof of citizenship to register to vote and a photo ID for in-person or mail-in ballots.
“A lot has to do with the SAVE America Act,” Trump said. “Republicans have to get that passed, because that will secure voting in this country.”
Both Cornyn and Paxton have aligned themselves with Trump’s priorities on the legislation. Paxton has openly supported abolishing the Senate filibuster to advance the bill, while Cornyn recently reversed his long-standing support for the 60-vote threshold, saying he would back “whatever changes to Senate rules may prove necessary” to pass the legislation.
Trump praised Cornyn’s shift but stopped short of saying it would secure his endorsement. “I don’t know, but we have to get it passed,” he said.
Assessing Electability
Trump dismissed concerns about Paxton’s electoral viability, insisting both Republican candidates could defeat Democratic nominee James Talarico. “No, I think they both win,” he said, describing Talarico as “so weak.”
Trump also addressed other issues he considers important, including restrictions on men competing in women’s sports and voter ID requirements. He reaffirmed that these priorities would factor into any endorsement decision.
Political Context
The Texas Senate primary comes at a politically charged moment, with national attention on voting legislation and party unity. Trump’s endorsement could carry significant weight in the runoff, particularly among Republican voters aligned with his agenda.
However, analysts note that the SAVE America Act faces an uphill battle in the Senate, where Republicans lack the votes to eliminate the filibuster, raising questions about the bill’s ultimate impact.
Trump’s decision reflects both policy alignment and strategic calculation as he weighs the influence of his endorsement on Texas Republicans ahead of the general election
