As the Texas GOP Senate runoff reaches its final day, Senator John Cornyn and Attorney General Ken Paxton have turned to the airwaves to make their final pitches to voters. Both candidates have opted out of public campaign events, instead relying heavily on advertising to sway the electorate.

Advertising Blitz

The runoff campaign has seen over $109 million in advertising, predominantly from Cornyn’s camp. Cornyn, seeking a fifth term, has been active in promoting his alignment with former President Donald Trump’s policies, citing a 99.3% voting alignment with Trump’s priorities. Despite Trump’s recent endorsement of Paxton, Cornyn remains confident in his appeal to Texas voters, emphasizing their independent nature.

Paxton, on the other hand, has leveraged Trump’s endorsement to bolster his campaign. Trump’s support came during early voting and was reiterated over the weekend, with the former president criticizing Cornyn for perceived disloyalty. Paxton’s campaign has focused on highlighting this endorsement in their advertising efforts.

Campaign Dynamics

While Cornyn’s campaign and supporting super PACs have significantly outspent Paxton’s supporters, the gap has narrowed as the runoff approached. Cornyn’s ads have targeted Paxton’s ethical and personal controversies, arguing that these issues could jeopardize the GOP’s hold on the Senate seat in the general election against Democratic nominee James Talarico.

Paxton’s supporters, including the Lone Star Liberty Fund, have countered with ads questioning Talarico’s suitability, aiming to consolidate conservative support. The runoff is expected to draw a small fraction of Texas’s 18.7 million voters, making the advertising efforts crucial in influencing the outcome.

Local Impact

In addition to the political implications, Cornyn hosted a non-campaign event in San Antonio to honor high school graduates attending service academies, emphasizing his commitment to community values. This event, devoid of campaign rhetoric, highlighted Cornyn’s focus on traditional family and community service.

As Texans head to the polls, the outcome of this runoff will not only determine the Republican candidate for the Senate but also reflect the influence of endorsements and campaign spending in shaping voter decisions.

Original reporting: Dallas TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.