Time Magazine is reporting that state Attorney General Ken Paxton's victory in the Texas Republican Senate primary runoff has created a significant financial challenge for the Republican Party. It said that Republicans now face an internal price tag of $250 million to help Paxton retain the seat in the general election, diverting funds from efforts to flip Democratic seats in states like Georgia, Michigan and New Hampshire.
Time Magazine said President Donald Trump endorsed Paxton last week, despite pleas from Republicans to either endorse Sen. John Cornyn or remain neutral. Cornyn, who was seen as a safe candidate, lost the primary after Senate Republicans spent $90 million attempting to defend him and undermine Paxton. The magazine noted that establishment Republicans are frustrated that Trump's decision, based on what they perceive as "pettiness" and a preference for Paxton's "burn-it-down nihilism" over Cornyn's institutionalist approach, could jeopardize a seat Texas Republicans have held for nearly 40 years.
Paxton has faced numerous allegations, including corruption, marital infidelity, abuse of power, securities fraud and bribery, leading to a 2023 impeachment vote by the Republican-controlled Texas state House, though he was acquitted by the state Senate. Democrats see a more plausible path for their nominee, state Rep. James Talarico, given Paxton's controversies. Time Magazine also highlighted other instances of Trump's influence in GOP primaries, including his role in removing five Republican state lawmakers in Indiana, backing a primary challenger against Sen. Bill Cassidy in Louisiana, and leading a primary against Rep. Tom Massie in Kentucky. The magazine concluded that Trump's actions, while solidifying his base, could expose more seats and potentially boost Democrats' chances of gaining control of both the House and Senate.