Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton suggested Thursday that he might exit the U.S. Senate race if Senate GOP leaders agreed to abolish the filibuster and pass a key piece of legislation backed by former President Donald Trump.
Paxton made the statement on social media while criticizing his Republican primary opponent, incumbent Senator John Cornyn, for opposing the idea of scrapping the filibuster to pass the SAVE America Act. The legislation would require voters to provide proof of citizenship when registering and present photo identification at the polls, among other election-related rules.
Cornyn has expressed support for the bill but has not endorsed eliminating the filibuster, a Senate rule that effectively requires 60 votes to bring legislation to a floor vote. With Democrats unified in opposition, the 53-member GOP majority cannot pass the bill without procedural changes.
Paxton’s comments come amid a runoff triggered by Tuesday’s primary, with Trump expected to soon endorse one candidate. Paxton has previously said he would not drop out, even if Trump backs Cornyn.
Senate GOP leaders, including Majority Leader John Thune, have expressed skepticism about overcoming the filibuster to pass the SAVE Act. While some supporters suggest using a “talking filibuster” as a workaround, the process would be logistically challenging and could stall the Senate amid other pressing issues, including escalating tensions in the Middle East.
Trump has continued to push for passage of the legislation, calling it “a Country Defining fight for the Soul of our Nation” on his Truth Social account.
Paxton’s offer to consider stepping aside appears more a political maneuver highlighting Cornyn’s stance than a definitive plan to leave the race.
