Republicans are expressing concern that former President Donald Trump's recent endorsement of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton could jeopardize their control of the Senate in the upcoming 2026 midterms.Initially, GOP leaders anticipated that Trump would remain neutral in the Texas Senate runoff between Paxton and incumbent Senator John Cornyn.Trump's decision surprised party leadership, who had been hoping he would either endorse Cornyn or stay out of the race entirely.

Senators Lindsey Graham and Lisa Murkowski voiced worries that Paxton's candidacy would make the Senate race significantly more expensive and complicated, requiring more fundraising efforts to secure a Republican victory.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune reportedly tried to persuade Trump to back Cornyn, but the outcome remained uncertain until Trump's public endorsement.

The move has left Republicans recalibrating their strategies, with concerns that Paxton might struggle in the general election and potentially threaten the GOP’s Senate majority.