The Texas Republican Senate primary will go to a May 26 runoff between incumbent Sen. John Cornyn and Attorney General Ken Paxton, as neither secured the 50% threshold to avoid a second round.

Third-place finisher Rep. Wesley Hunt garnered enough support to prevent an outright win, with polls showing Paxton slightly ahead before the primary.

Cornyn and national Republicans have warned that a Paxton nomination could jeopardize the GOP’s hold on the seat, citing his controversies and the risk of a Democratic upset.

Both leading candidates emphasized alignment with former President Trump, who has not endorsed and said he supports “all three,” The Hill has reported.

Meanwhile, Democrats, energized by candidates James Talarico and Jasmine Crockett, see momentum reminiscent of Beto O’Rourke’s near-upset in 2018, though Republicans remain favored to retain the seat.