‘Biggest endorsement fail’: Why Texas has become personal for Trump

Texas has become a test of President Donald Trump's standing as a party kingmaker, as well as a pivotal contest for Senate control. Trump holds a rally in San Antonio on Wednesday, his third Texas appearance in under a month, to bolster Attorney General Ken Paxton, whom he endorsed late in the May runoff that ousted Sen. John Cornyn. Paxton now faces Democratic state Rep. James Talarico, who has led narrowly but steadily in public polls. Anonymous former administration officials told MS NOW a Paxton defeat would be Trump's worst endorsement failure.

Republicans have not lost a Texas statewide race since 1994, but the national mood is poor for them, with the Iran war and gas prices weighing on moderate voters. A Republican strategist rejected the notion that a loss would reflect on Trump, saying the Senate majority will not hinge on one race. Gov. Greg Abbott, who is seeking a fourth term, will skip the rally, citing his schedule, though he praised Trump's ability to energize the base.

With a 53-47 split, Democrats must pick up four seats to take the chamber, and they can do so without Texas.

Summarized by PolitiKool from MS NOW’s reporting. Read the full story at MS NOW →