Trump Ties Texas Senate Endorsement to SAVE America Act

President Donald Trump has tied his endorsement of a Republican candidate for the Texas U.S. Senate seat to the passage of the SAVE America Act. The legislation, which mandates proof of citizenship and photo ID for voting, is a top priority for the president. The decision affects the May 26 primary runoff between incumbent Senator John Cornyn and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who finished the initial primary in a narrow split of 42% to 41%.

Trump initially appeared poised to back Cornyn to avoid the legal complications associated with Paxton's previous impeachment and fraud investigations. However, he later announced he would withhold any endorsement until the act is officially enacted. This pressure forced Cornyn to reverse his long-standing defense of the Senate filibuster, stating he would support any rule changes necessary to pass the bill.

Paxton has used the legislative battle to challenge Cornyn's conservative credentials, claiming he forced the senator to move right. While Paxton conditionally offered to drop out if the filibuster were removed to pass the act, he later stated he would remain in the race regardless of Trump's final choice, citing his duty to Texans.

The internal GOP conflict has drawn criticism from MAGA influencers like Steve Bannon and Laura Loomer, who favor Paxton. Meanwhile, Republican pollster Frank Luntz warned that the contentious runoff and shifting demographics could jeopardize the seat in the general election against Democratic nominee James Talarico.