Texas GOP Senate runoff: Cornyn and Paxton Remain on May 26 Ballot After Withdrawal Deadline

As of March 18, 2026, the withdrawal deadline for Republican contenders in the Texas GOP Senate runoff expired at 5 p.m. Tuesday with Sen. John Cornyn and Attorney General Ken Paxton both opting not to remove their names, ensuring the May 26 runoff will list the two leading primary finishers.

In the March 3 primary, Cornyn finished ahead of Paxton. The day after that vote, former President Donald Trump said he would endorse one candidate “soon” and suggested his choice could ask the other to step aside; nearly two weeks later, no endorsement has been made. The contest has been reframed around the GOP’s proposed SAVE America Act, which would mandate documentary proof of citizenship for in-person voter registration and require photo identification at polling places. President Trump has also pushed for additions to the measure including limits on mail voting and policies on transgender athletes and youth medical care.

Congressional activity intersected with the runoff calendar when the Senate took up debate on the SAVE Act the same day the withdrawal deadline passed; Sen. Cornyn joined 50 Senate Republicans to open debate. Paxton said he might withdraw if Senate Republicans eliminated the filibuster to pass the bill, and he blamed Cornyn if the legislation fails, arguing his rival has not fought hard enough. Trump has told interviewers the bill will influence his eventual endorsement and said he remains undecided whether Cornyn would be the stronger November nominee.