It’s giving major tension in the GOP right now. US Senator Thom Tillis didn't hold back on CNN’s State of the Union this Sunday, flat out calling Donald Trump’s decision to back Ken Paxton over John Cornyn in the Texas Senate primary a "colossal mistake." Real talk, Tillis isn’t a fan of the move, labeling the endorsement an "unforced error" that’s put the Senate seat in jeopardy for the party. According to Tillis, the GOP wouldn't be dropping millions in Texas right now if Cornyn had secured the win.
The background
Back in May, Trump threw his weight behind Paxton just days before the primary, essentially calling Cornyn "VERY disloyal." Paxton, a die-hard MAGA supporter, ended up taking the primary, but it hasn't exactly been smooth sailing since. Now he’s heading into the general election on November 3 to face Democrat James Talarico, a pastor and state legislator. If Talarico pulls off a win, he’d be the first Democrat to snag statewide office in Texas in over three decades.
Paxton’s resume has been… a lot. He faced an impeachment trial in 2023 over corruption allegations (he was acquitted) and dealt with felony securities fraud charges that were later dismissed. Plus, his personal life made headlines in July 2025 when his wife, Angela Paxton, filed for divorce.
Why it matters
Tillis has lowkey been the main character of Republican dissent for a while. Whether he’s defending NATO or slamming the handling of immigration, he’s not afraid to break from Trump. With the midterms looming, this internal friction over the Texas race is proof that the GOP is dealing with some major internal fatigue. The plot thickens as both parties fight for control, and it's highkey a massive L for the party if they lose a stronghold seat because of a primary clash.
