Former President George W. Bush joined Sen. John Cornyn, R‑Texas, as a special guest at a “Maintain the Majority” fundraiser on Monday night. The event, held in Texas, was organized to support Cornyn’s Senate campaign and featured a roster of Republican Senate hopefuls, but notably excluded current Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who defeated Cornyn in this year’s primary.
Fundraiser lineup and notable absences
The “Maintain the Majority” political action committee listed Cornyn alongside Sens. Dan Sullivan (R‑Alaska), Jon Husted (R‑Ohio), Susan Collins (R‑Maine), Michigan Senate nominee Mike Rogers, New Hampshire Senate nominee John E. Sununu, and Iowa Senate nominee Ashley Hinson. Minnesota Republican Senate nominee Michele Tafoya was added later. Absent from the list were Paxton, North Carolina Senate nominees Mike Collins and Michael Whatley, all of whom are closely tied to President Donald Trump’s political orbit.
Trump‑linked candidates and intra‑party dynamics
Both Bush and Cornyn have had a complicated relationship with President Trump and his favored candidates such as Paxton. The fundraiser underscored the growing divide within the Texas Republican field, as Trump’s own midterm war chest at MAGA Inc. reports more than $415 million cash on hand, according to the latest FEC filing.
Early voting and upcoming midterms
Early voting in Texas begins Monday, October 19, 2026, and runs through Friday, October 30. The 2026 midterm elections are set for Tuesday, November 3. While the Republican Senate majority remains slim at 53‑47, Republicans hope to retain control and counter Democratic momentum in the final two years of President Trump’s administration.
Party leaders weigh in
Republican National Committee Chair Joe Gruters expressed confidence that the Texas Senate seat will stay in GOP hands. He noted Paxton’s past statewide victories and described Texas as a “hard‑core Republican” state. Gruters also mentioned the “Save America Act” as part of the party’s legislative agenda.
Gruters further warned that an influx of California liberals moving to Texas would not alter the race’s outcome, emphasizing Paxton’s proven winning record in the state.
Implications for the Senate race
While Cornyn’s establishment fundraising may not directly benefit Paxton, the broader GOP strategy aims to protect the Senate majority. Democrats are targeting several Republican seats, including Paxton’s in Texas, as part of their effort to flip the chamber.
The fundraiser highlights the strategic choices GOP leaders are making as they navigate intra‑party rivalries and prepare for a pivotal midterm cycle.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
