Trump Blames Rove and Cornyn as Texas Senate Race Turns Competitive

Key points

• Trump posted on Truth Social that if Paxton loses, it will be due to 'weak and ineffective' figures like Cornyn and Rove.
• Paxton, the Texas Attorney General, is trailing Talarico in polls by a low-to-mid single-digit margin in a traditionally red state.
• Cornyn lost the primary to Paxton after Trump controversially endorsed the latter, viewing Cornyn as disloyal.
• Rove recently stated he would vote for a Democratic candidate in another Texas race, marking only his second time voting blue in his life.
• Republican spending in the Texas Senate race has exceeded $370 million, making it the most expensive contest of the cycle.

Background

This development follows the Republican National Committee's midterm convention in Dallas in September, where Trump urged voters to 'cheat' to secure a majority. The party has struggled with low approval ratings and economic anxiety, leading many GOP candidates to distance themselves from the president. The Texas race is part of a broader pattern of competitive battlegrounds, including Maine and Michigan, where Republicans are facing fundraising and messaging challenges.

How outlets are covering it

Axios framed the situation as Trump naming 'scapegoats' while Republicans sweat in Texas. Politico detailed the specific targets of Trump's anger, noting that Cornyn and Rove are being blamed for opposing the president's political career. CNBC emphasized the financial stakes, noting that GOP spending in Texas has eclipsed Democratic spending by nearly $235 million, yet the race remains tight. CNN provided broader context on other competitive races, such as Maine and Michigan, where fundraising disparities and candidate controversies are also impacting Republican prospects.

Why it matters

The Texas Senate race is a critical indicator of the Republican Party's ability to retain control of the Senate. A loss in a traditionally red state would signal significant vulnerability for the GOP in the 2026 midterms. The internal conflict between Trump and established party figures like Cornyn and Rove highlights deep fractures within the party that could impact voter turnout and candidate viability across other battleground states.

What to watch

The race will likely intensify in the final weeks before Election Day, with continued spending from both sides. Trump may continue to publicly criticize Cornyn and Rove, potentially further alienating parts of the Republican base. Polls and fundraising reports from other competitive races, such as Maine and Michigan, will provide further insight into the GOP's midterm prospects.