In a dramatic twist to the Texas Senate GOP race, President Donald Trump has thrown his support behind Attorney General Ken Paxton, sidelining the more moderate incumbent Sen. John Cornyn just days before the critical May primary runoff. Trump’s endorsement, announced on Tuesday, could significantly shake up the contest, where recent polls depict a neck-and-neck battle.

For months, Trump had abstained from endorsing either candidate despite intense persuasion from both camps. Cornyn, earlier on Monday, even declared that the opportunity for Trump's backing had "finally sailed." However, in a last-minute change of heart, Trump praised Paxton on Truth Social, calling him a "true MAGA Warrior" who has "ALWAYS delivered for Texas" and criticized Cornyn for lacking support during challenging times.

Cornyn and his supporters have expressed concerns that Paxton's candidacy could endanger GOP control of the Senate. Paxton, a prominent figure of the far right, carries the weight of multiple scandals, including impeachment, a securities fraud investigation, and a highly publicized ongoing divorce marked by allegations of infidelity. These issues have provided Democrats, led by nominee James Talarico, with what they see as their best chance in decades to secure a statewide victory in Texas.

Despite a strong performance in the initial voting round, which some White House allies believed would sway Trump towards Cornyn, the president opted for Paxton after being influenced by the MAGA faction within the party. They regard Paxton as a staunch ally who championed Trump’s efforts to contest the 2020 election results.

In the lead-up to Trump’s decision, significant figures within the MAGA movement, including Laura Loomer and Jack Posobiec, exerted public pressure to secure Paxton’s endorsement. Paxton himself hinted at a strategic withdrawal should the Senate move to eliminate the filibuster to pass the contentious "SAVE America Act," a statement seen as a reminder of his alignment with Trump’s vision and an attempt to distance Trump from Cornyn.

This late endorsement injects a new level of uncertainty into the race, transforming it into not just a battle for a Senate seat, but a reflection of the ongoing struggle for the soul of the Republican Party in Texas and beyond. As voters head to the polls next week, the impact of Trump’s decision will be a key factor in determining the future political landscape of the state.