CORPUS CHRISTI, TX — President Donald Trump arrived in the Coastal Bend today, Friday, February 27, 2026, marking his first major post-State of the Union trip. While the visit is officially focused on energy and economic prosperity, it is being overshadowed by a high-stakes Republican Senate primary just four days away.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The President finds himself in a rare position: caught between three loyal allies—incumbent John Cornyn, Attorney General Ken Paxton, and Rep. Wesley Hunt—all of whom are vying for his “golden” endorsement before the March 3 primary.
The “No-Choice” Strategy
Despite endorsing dozens of candidates in down-ballot Texas races, Trump has notably held back in the Senate contest. His public stance remains one of broad support for his “friends,” effectively leaving the decision to the voters:
- The Quote: “I like all three of them, actually… They’ve all supported me. They’re all good. You’re supposed to pick one, so we’ll see what happens. But I support all three.”
- The Gesture: Breaking from typical protocol where a President stands with one chosen candidate, Trump has reportedly invited all three men to join him on stage in Corpus Christi, a move designed to maintain peace within the MAGA base.
The Battle for the Base
The race has become increasingly personal as the three candidates attempt to claim the “Trump-iest” mantle:
| Candidate | Pitch to Voters | The “Trump” Connection |
| John Cornyn | Emphasizes his 24 years of experience and his ability to hold the seat in a general election. | Highlights his legislative work during the first Trump administration. |
| Ken Paxton | Positions himself as the ultimate fighter who survived impeachment and legal battles. | Backed by hardline MAGA allies like Rep. Troy Nehls and Lance Gooden. |
| Wesley Hunt | Offers a younger, “next-gen” MAGA alternative without the political baggage of his rivals. | Touts his frequent appearances as a surrogate for Trump on the national stage. |
The Runoff Reality
With three high-profile candidates splitting the vote, a May 26 runoff appears almost certain. To win the nomination on Tuesday, a candidate must secure more than 50% of the vote. Recent polls show Paxton and Cornyn in a statistical dead heat for the top spot, with Hunt trailing but holding enough support to force a second round.
Why It Matters
For Trump, the visit is a victory lap for his economic agenda. For the candidates, it is a final, desperate scramble to be seen standing next to the man who still defines the Republican Party. With early voting ending today, the “Corpus Christi photo-op” may be the most valuable piece of campaign mail any of them sends out.
