SouthernWorldwide.com – Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., has officially declared his support for Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in his upcoming Senate race, a move that signals a strategic pivot for the Republican party following a contentious primary. This endorsement comes less than a day after the conclusion of a fierce intra-party battle in Texas, where Paxton emerged as the nominee.
Thune announced his backing of Paxton on the Hugh Hewitt show, emphasizing the immediate need for the GOP to unite behind their candidate. The primary focus now, according to Thune, is to ensure Paxton’s victory against the Democratic nominee, Texas state Rep. James Talarico, in November.
“The voters, Republican voters in Texas spoke last night,” Thune stated. “Ken Paxton is our nominee heading into November, and we got to pivot and go all in to make sure that we keep Texas red, that he wins, and that we keep a far-left liberal out of the United States Senate.”
The significance of this particular Senate seat is not lost on Republican leadership. Thune highlighted its critical role in determining the party’s majority in the Senate, which he believes is essential for the nation’s future direction.
It is important to note that Paxton was not the initial preference for Thune or the majority of Senate Republicans. Many in the party had thrown their support behind the long-serving incumbent, Senator John Cornyn, R-Texas, throughout the primary contest.
The landscape shifted when former President Donald Trump made a last-minute endorsement of Paxton just a week before the runoff election. This late endorsement surprised many and added a new dynamic to the already heated race.
Prior to Trump’s endorsement, there were concerns within the GOP that a Paxton victory could potentially benefit Democrats. This concern stemmed from the fact that Democrats have not secured a Senate seat in Texas since 1988, and the party feared that Paxton’s nomination might tip the scales.
However, the emergence of James Talarico as the Democratic nominee has seemingly shifted the party’s priorities. Talarico decisively defeated his primary opponent, Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, setting up a general election contest that has galvanized Republicans.
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Thune articulated this shift in focus, stating, “We’ve gotta do everything we can do as a party, to make sure that we win this race. Because, you know, losing is not an option when it comes to the state of Texas, and what it means for our majority in the Senate.”
Thune is not the first prominent Senate Republican to publicly support Paxton after the primary. Senator Bernie Moreno, R-Ohio, was quick to rally behind Paxton shortly after the race was called.
Moreno urged the Republican party to come together to defeat Talarico, whom he characterized as a radical leftist with extreme views on border policy and social issues. Moreno specifically criticized Talarico for his stances on open borders and what he referred to as “trans ideology,” also noting Talarico’s past comments about the American flag.
“I am proud to endorse [Paxton],” Moreno stated on X. “The voters have spoken, now Republicans must unite and win.”
Following Moreno’s lead, the second-highest-ranking Republican in the Senate, Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso, R-Wyo., also voiced his support for Paxton.
Barrasso echoed the sentiment that Talarico represents a significant threat to the Republican agenda. He described Talarico as a “far-left extremist” who would be a “rubber stamp for open borders, illegal immigrant criminals, and men playing in women’s sports.” Barrasso concluded that Talarico’s political platform is “too radical for Texas.”
These endorsements from key Republican figures underscore the party’s unified effort to retain the Texas Senate seat, prioritizing the preservation of their Senate majority over any lingering internal disagreements from the primary election.
