A growing conflict within the Texas Republican Party has intensified after President Donald Trump endorsed Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton over longtime Senator John Cornyn in the state’s Republican Senate runoff.

Trump criticized Cornyn for what he described as disloyalty, particularly because Cornyn delayed endorsing Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign until after the New Hampshire primary.Trump publicly praised Paxton as a more reliable political ally, increasing tensions among Texas Republicans and conservative donors.

Cornyn, who has served in the Senate since 2002 and remains highly influential among Republican donors, has long acted as a central figure connecting Texas fundraising networks with national Republican leadership.

Trump’s endorsement of Paxton is being viewed by some Republican lawmakers and strategists as a rejection of Cornyn’s decades of service to the party.Several party insiders expressed concern that the heated primary battle could permanently damage relationships and trust within the Texas GOP.

Republican donors and strategists are also worried that Paxton could be a weaker general election candidate against Democratic state Representative James Talarico, who has reportedly raised substantial campaign funds and shown competitive polling numbers against both Republican contenders.

Some Republican strategists believe that if Paxton secures the nomination, Trump and his political organization should provide the financial resources necessary to support the campaign in the general election.

The article also notes that Trump has recently targeted other Republican figures who opposed or criticized him, reinforcing his influence over the party and its candidates.Observers fear that the Texas race could reshape Republican donor relationships and internal party dynamics for years to come.