Former President George W. Bush is actively participating in fundraising for Republican candidates, yet he is not supporting Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. Paxton defeated Bush’s nephew in the 2022 Texas Republican primary, which could be a factor in Bush’s decision.
Senator John Cornyn, representing Texas, hosted a fundraiser for the political action committee Maintain the Majority, with Bush as a special guest. This PAC includes several prominent names such as Senators Dan Sullivan from Alaska, Jon Husted from Ohio, Susan Collins from Maine, and other Senate nominees. However, Ken Paxton was notably absent from the event.
Paxton is currently endorsed by former President Donald Trump, giving him access to substantial campaign funds, while Cornyn and Bush remain distant from supporting Paxton. This dynamic reflects the complex relationship between Bush and Trump, with Bush maintaining separation from Trump’s favored candidates.
Karl Rove, a former senior advisor to Bush, recently expressed his willingness to vote for a Texas Democrat. This statement illustrates the ongoing tensions within the Republican Party regarding support for Trump-backed candidates like Paxton.
Early voting in Texas commences on October 19, 2026, offering a crucial period leading up to the midterm elections. Despite Cornyn’s fundraising efforts, Paxton continues to enjoy robust support from Trump’s fundraising mechanisms.
The competitive nature of the Senate races is shown in Fox News Power Rankings, with several Republican-held seats being contested as potential flips by Democrats. Conversely, Republicans aim to secure gains in states like Michigan, New Hampshire, and Georgia.
While midterms typically pose challenges for the party in the White House, maintaining Senate control could be vital for Republicans as they look to curb Democrat initiatives during Trump’s final years in office.
Despite Cornyn’s efforts, Republican National Committee Chair Joe Gruters remains optimistic that Texas will uphold its Republican majority, emphasizing Paxton’s previous success in elections.
Gruters also noted the influx of resources from California as Democrats target Texas. However, he believes Paxton’s solid support base within the state will secure his reelection.
Eric Mack is a dedicated breaking news reporter, covering critical developments across politics, elections, and government policy.
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