President Trump has officially thrown his weight behind Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton to unseat incumbent Senator John Cornyn in the Texas primary, sending shockwaves through GOP ranks. According to The Hill, this aggressive strategy of targeting fellow lawmakers who have either defied or criticized him is creating a palpable sense of anxiety.
Trump successfully rallied supporters to defeat Senator Bill Cassidy in Louisiana, and he also ousted Rep Thomas Massie from his seat in Kentucky’s 4th Congressional District. These wins are clear signals that Trump’s influence over the primary electorate remains incredibly potent. It has led many seasoned Republicans to worry about the potential for massive political backfire and the long-term cost.