Overview

• MAGA activists are preparing primary challenges against Republican Senators John Cornyn of Texas and Thom Tillis of North Carolina, citing their perceived disloyalty to Trump.
• Trump has not yet endorsed any candidates in these races, leveraging his influence over incumbents while weighing the risk of backing far-right challengers.
• Ken Paxton, Texas' attorney general with a controversial impeachment history, is seen as the leading MAGA contender to challenge Cornyn, while Lara Trump is a potential challenger to Tillis in North Carolina.
• Republican leaders, including John Thune and Tim Scott, are urging Trump to support incumbents to avoid nominating candidates who may struggle in general elections.
• Democrats Colin Allred in Texas and Roy Cooper in North Carolina are emerging as strong potential challengers, adding pressure on Republicans to choose electable nominees.