Tillis blames Trump for jeopardizing John Cornyn's Senate primary
Sen. Thom Tillis said Donald Trump’s refusal to back John Cornyn in the Texas primary was a major error that could force costly Republican campaigns in Texas and North Carolina.
On one outlet’s “State of the Union,” Republican Sen. Thom Tillis criticized President Donald Trump for not endorsing Senator John Cornyn in his Texas primary, calling the move a “colossal mistake.” Tillis said the lack of support turns a likely easy win into a costly contest, potentially requiring massive fundraising in both Texas and North Carolina. He contrasted this with the expectation that Cornyn would have been re-elected easily.
Tillis also noted that Trump’s focus on loyalty tests has diverted attention from securing Senate seats. The discussion referenced former Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s primary loss and highlighted the broader strategic implications for Republican Senate campaigns. Tillis concluded that party unity and election victories should take precedence over personal loyalty disputes.
Why it matters
Trump’s endorsement choices can reshape Republican primary battles and affect national Senate control.
How this story developed
- Sep 16 House passes resolution urging Trump to end Iran conflict, seven Republicans vote yes
- Sep 16 The House of Representatives recessed after only seven workdays since returning from summer break, cancelling Thursday’s votes on Secretary of War Pete Hegseth’s impeachment and a Democratic AI proposal.
- Sep 16 Seven Republicans voted for the resolution, three more than in earlier votes.
- Sep 17 Mike Johnson shifted Thursday’s agenda, delaying both the impeachment vote and the AI legislation.
- Sep 23 Ashley Hinson posted on X calling for an immediate end to the war in Iran.
- Sep 24 The Senate voted down the war‑powers resolution.
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