Texas Senate Runoff: Cornyn, Paxton Brace for "Ugly" Intra-Party Battle

• Four-term Sen. John Cornyn and conservative firebrand Ken Paxton advance to a May 26 runoff for the Texas Senate nomination after a costly primary.
• Republicans fear the runoff will be even more expensive and divisive, potentially jeopardizing the party's chances in the general election against Democrat James Talarico.
• Cornyn criticizes Paxton as "flawed, self-centred, and shameless," arguing he would be "dead weight" for Republicans in November.
• Paxton, shadowed by corruption allegations, remains defiant, positioning himself as a "Make America Great Again" warrior and accusing opponents of trying to "buy the seat."
• President Donald Trump has not endorsed either candidate, while pro-Paxton groups claim Cornyn has no viable path and should concede to save party resources.