PLANO, Texas – As the Texas Republican primary runoff approaches, voters are left with a notable absence of public appearances from the leading candidates for the U.S. Senate. However, those who seek information can easily find it online as both candidates continue to engage in a fierce advertising battle.
Senator John Cornyn and state Attorney General Ken Paxton are in the final stretch of their campaigns, which have been characterized by intense competition and significant financial backing. With the election looming on Tuesday, neither candidate scheduled public events for Monday, preferring to rely on digital platforms where they have invested heavily. Cornyn’s campaign has reportedly spent over $109 million, a substantial portion of it attributed to his efforts.
On the campaign trail, Cornyn is hosting an annual event in San Antonio to honor high school graduates attending service academies, showcasing his established political presence while maintaining a distance from campaign activities. His last public event took place in Corpus Christi, indicating a strategic retreat as he approaches the finish line.
In contrast, Paxton completed his campaign events in the Austin area and San Antonio, relying heavily on endorsements, particularly from former President Donald Trump. Trump’s support for Paxton has been a pivotal aspect of his campaign messaging, especially following Trump’s endorsement on May 19, which has been a focal point in the runoff.
Trump’s endorsement has been coupled with criticism of Cornyn, whom he referred to as “VERY disloyal.” This public rebuke underscores the growing divide within the Republican Party, as Trump’s influence continues to sway primary elections across the country. Following similar trends seen in Indiana and Kentucky, where incumbent Republicans have faced challenges from Trump-backed candidates, Texas appears to be no exception.
Despite the absence of public events, advertising remains rampant as both candidates and their supporting groups bombard Texas voters with messaging. The intensity of this advertising battle is particularly notable given that turnout is expected to be relatively low among the state’s 18.7 million voters. As Wayne Hamilton, a former executive director of the Texas Republican Party, stated, “It’s just a slug fest, with the campaigns and third-party groups slugging it out.”
Cornyn’s campaign has leveraged a nearly nine-to-one spending advantage over Paxton, although this gap has narrowed as the runoff date approaches. In the final week, pro-Cornyn advertising spending was reported to be less than double that of Paxton’s supporters, indicating a more competitive landscape as Election Day nears.
As the campaigns draw to a close, Cornyn continues to highlight his alignment with Trump’s priorities while addressing ethical questions surrounding Paxton. Meanwhile, Paxton’s advertising has pivoted to focus on his endorsement from Trump, with recent efforts also aimed at countering Democratic nominee James Talarico.
With the runoff just around the corner, all eyes will be on the Texas electorate as they make their choices in a politically charged environment shaped by high stakes and significant financial investments.
