Voters in Texas are witnessing a largely digital final push by Republican candidates in the U.S. Senate race. Both Sen. John Cornyn and state Attorney General Ken Paxton have chosen to skip public campaign events on the eve of their runoff election. Instead, they focus on a media-driven battle that has seen substantial spending.
The contest has received over $109 million in advertising, with Cornyn heavily investing in these efforts. Despite this, Cornyn spent his last campaign Friday in Corpus Christi ahead of an annual non-campaign event in San Antonio. This event is meant to honor high school graduates heading to service academies.
Ken Paxton ended his campaign events Thursday around Austin and San Antonio. He leans on advertisements and a super PAC to emphasize his key endorsement from former President Donald Trump. This endorsement came on May 19, during early voting, and Trump’s supportive social media posts continued over the weekend.
Trump’s strong comments against Cornyn, who has had a complicated relationship with the former president, echoed earlier criticism Trump directed at other GOP figures. Trump’s call for loyalty has influenced recent GOP primaries in other states, highlighting how crucial his backing is to candidates.
Although public appearances were absent, both campaigns continued aggressive advertising, attempting to reach Texas’ 18.7 million voters. Cornyn’s team and affiliated PACs have outspent Paxton’s by a wide margin during most of the campaign. However, as the runoff neared, spending became more balanced. Cornyn’s ads focused on Paxton’s ethical issues while highlighting Cornyn’s support for Trump’s policies.
Paxton’s campaign pivoted midweek to emphasize Trump’s endorsement. The Lone Star Liberty Fund, Paxton’s primary super PAC, also launched ads targeting Democratic Senate nominee state Rep. James Talarico, aiming to sway voters further.
The runoff draws near amidst this intense and strategic advertising landscape, leaving voters to process the messages both candidates deliver without traditional in-person events.
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