The Republican Party does not appeared very unified right now.
A major Republican showdown in Texas is exposing deep divisions inside the GOP, as Sen. Thom Tillis publicly criticized Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton despite Paxton receiving a high-profile endorsement from President Donald Trump.
The clash comes as conservative voters prepare to decide one of the most closely watched Senate runoff races in the country — a battle many believe could shape the future direction of the Republican Party and the America First movement.
Speaking during a Sunday interview on CNN’s “State of the Union,” Tillis sharply questioned whether Paxton is the right choice to represent Texas Republicans in the U.S. Senate.
“He is a failure,” Tillis said during the interview. “He doesn’t deserve to be in the U.S. Senate.”
President Trump recently endorsed Paxton over longtime Republican Sen. John Cornyn, praising the Texas attorney general as a “true MAGA warrior” who stood firmly behind the president during key political fights. Trump also suggested Cornyn had not always supported him during difficult moments in recent years.
The endorsement immediately intensified tensions within the Republican Party, especially among Senate Republicans who view Cornyn as one of the conference’s most experienced and dependable conservative lawmakers.
Cornyn has served four terms in the Senate and has built a reputation among conservatives for supporting border security, Second Amendment rights, lower taxes, and limited government policies. However, Paxton has gained strong support from grassroots voters who want a more aggressive America First approach in Washington.
The runoff race has become increasingly competitive. While Cornyn narrowly finished ahead in the original primary contest, recent polling suggests Paxton may now hold a slight advantage heading into the final days of voting.
Tillis urged Texas conservatives to carefully consider the long-term impact of replacing Cornyn.
“When Texans go to the polls, I hope they recognize they already have a strong conservative leader fighting for them,” Tillis said. “John Cornyn is pro-America First, pro-Second Amendment, and one of the most influential Republicans serving today.”
Other Republicans have also expressed concerns about Paxton’s legal controversies and political baggage. Sen. Susan Collins described the Texas attorney general as “ethically challenged,” referencing his impeachment battle in the Texas House in 2023. Paxton was ultimately acquitted by the Texas Senate, but the controversy continues to draw attention during the campaign.
Despite criticism from establishment Republicans, Paxton remains highly popular with many conservative voters who see him as a fighter willing to challenge the political establishment and defend Trump-era policies.
The winner of Tuesday’s Republican runoff will face Democrat James Talarico in the general election, setting up what could become one of the most important Senate races of the election cycle.
For many conservatives, the contest is about more than just one Senate seat. It has become a larger debate over the future of the Republican Party, the strength of the MAGA movement, and whether voters prefer experienced leadership or a more combative outsider style heading into the next chapter of national politics.