Executive Summary
- Incumbent Senator John Cornyn holds a significant financial lead with nearly $5 million cash on hand.
- President Donald Trump has withheld his endorsement in the Republican primary despite aggressive lobbying by candidates.
- Democratic contenders James Talarico and Jasmine Crockett have both posted strong fundraising numbers exceeding $3 million.
- The Texas Senate primary election is scheduled for March 3, with early voting ending this Friday.
As the Texas Senate primary enters its final week before the March 3 election, candidates from both major parties are intensifying their campaigns across the state. Incumbent Senator John Cornyn faces aggressive challenges from within the Republican Party, while Democratic contenders Representative Jasmine Crockett and State Representative James Talarico vie for their party’s nomination. With early voting scheduled to conclude this Friday, the race has shifted toward high-volume advertising and strategic mobilization efforts.
Financial disclosures highlight a significant disparity in the Republican field. Senator Cornyn’s campaign committee reported nearly $5 million on hand as of February 11, a figure that excludes funds from aligned Senate Republican committees. In contrast, Attorney General Ken Paxton reported approximately $3.9 million, while U.S. Representative Wesley Hunt reported $342,307. Cornyn’s financial advantage has allowed for extensive airwave saturation, positioning himself as a staunch ally of President Donald Trump and a leader on border policy. Former Governor Rick Perry, supporting Cornyn, emphasized the campaign’s commitment to spending necessary resources to secure the nomination.
The influence of President Trump remains a central dynamic in the GOP primary. Despite all three major Republican candidates—Cornyn, Paxton, and Hunt—seeking his endorsement, the former President has so far refrained from backing a specific candidate. Paxton and Hunt have criticized Cornyn’s voting record, alleging a lack of alignment with the “MAGA” movement. Conversely, Cornyn has argued that Paxton’s candidacy poses a risk to the party in the general election due to the Attorney General’s ongoing legal and personal controversies. Hunt has attempted to position himself as a generational alternative to both established figures.
On the Democratic side, the contest presents a contrast in strategy. Representative Crockett, with nearly $3.5 million on hand, is campaigning on a platform of direct confrontation with Republican leadership, emphasizing base turnout. State Representative Talarico, who reported nearly $4.8 million, is advocating for a broader unity message aimed at attracting crossover voters. Talarico’s fundraising was bolstered by a recent viral media appearance. Tensions within the party have surfaced, with disputes over campaign rhetoric and strategy, though candidates continue to focus on the overarching goal of challenging the Republican hold on the seat.
Electoral Implications
The outcome of the March 3 primary will serve as a bellwether for the political direction of Texas. For Republicans, the results will test the durability of the traditional establishment against the party’s more populist wing. For Democrats, the choice between Crockett and Talarico represents a strategic decision between mobilizing the core base or attempting to expand the electorate in a historically red state. If the Republican contest proceeds to a runoff in May, as internal friction suggests is possible, it could drain resources ahead of the general election. It is important to note that regarding the allegations mentioned in relation to Attorney General Paxton, the accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
