Tillis Warns Paxton Nomination Risks Texas Senate Seat

Sen. Thom Tillis said in a March 2026 CNN interview that Republican handling of the Texas Senate primary has been lazy and unstrategic. The North Carolina Republican, who is retiring after this term, warned that the focus on the race pulls money and attention from other contests and puts the seat at risk.

The runoff between incumbent Sen. John Cornyn and Attorney General Ken Paxton is set for May 26, 2026. President Trump endorsed Paxton on May 19, 2026, giving the challenger a late boost in the contest for the Republican nomination.

Tillis Breaks With Party Strategy

Tillis made his comments during an interview with Manu Raju. He described the party's approach to the Texas primary as one that diverts resources and increases the chance of losing the seat in November. Tillis has not sought re-election in 2026, freeing him to speak more directly than many of his colleagues still facing voters.

His criticism landed as the primary fight intensified. Cornyn has held the seat since 2002, while Paxton has drawn support from Trump and some conservative activists. Tillis argued the internal contest wastes time that could be spent defending other vulnerable Republican seats.

Trump Endorsement Reshapes Primary

Trump's endorsement of Paxton came one week before the runoff. The former president backed the attorney general over the longtime incumbent, shifting momentum in the final days of the campaign. Cornyn has emphasized his record of passing legislation and working across the aisle on issues important to Texas.

Paxton has positioned himself as a stronger conservative voice aligned with Trump's agenda. The endorsement gives Paxton a clear advantage in turning out the president's supporters in the low-turnout runoff. Both candidates have spent heavily on advertising in the closing weeks.

General Election Risks Draw Attention

Republican leaders have raised concerns that a Paxton nomination would leave the party weaker against Democrat James Talarico in the general election. Talarico, a state representative, has already begun building a profile as the likely Democratic nominee.

Polls and internal assessments cited by party strategists show Paxton could face a tougher contest than Cornyn in a state that has trended more competitive in recent cycles. Tillis's warning echoed those private worries about resource allocation and candidate strength.

The runoff vote on May 26 will decide the Republican nominee. Early voting has already begun in parts of the state, and both campaigns are focused on turning out their core supporters before the deadline.