The Powers That Be: Daily The Lone Star Standoff
Mar 12, 2026
Abby Livingston, a political reporter specializing in Texas elections, breaks down the nail-biting Cornyn–Paxton runoff and the pressure of a possible Trump endorsement. She explores Paxton’s SAVE Act leverage and the huge fundraising battle looming. She also previews Illinois primaries, highlighting Krishnamoorthi’s cash edge, Pritzker’s influence, and an energized Chicago-area House fight.
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Trump Pause Sapped Cornyn Momentum
- A Trump endorsement was expected to be decisive but has been delayed, sapping Cornyn momentum.
- Cornyn allies felt the endorsement would 'seal the deal' yet the pause has left Cornyn needing more than the endorsement to win.
Runoff Could Require Huge Spending
- The race could cost $30–50 million for a full-blown runoff, stretching donor patience.
- A Republican consultant estimated neither side is clearly positioned to raise that amount, making outside factors crucial.
Paxton Turned Endorsement Into Policy Bargain
- Paxton leveraged policy bargaining to force leverage: he offered to drop out if Congress passed the SAVE Act.
- That turned the Cornyn endorsement into a hostage negotiation linking a Senate endorsement to controversial voting bills.