Former President George W. Bush has contributed $5,000 to Sen. John Cornyn’s reelection campaign as the Texas Republican faces a competitive primary runoff against Attorney General Ken Paxton.

Campaign finance filings show Bush’s donation was split between $3,500 designated for the primary and $1,500 for the general election, in line with federal contribution limits. The contribution signals support from a prominent figure in Texas Republican politics as the race enters a critical phase.

The contest between Cornyn and Paxton advanced to a runoff after neither candidate secured a majority in the March primary. Recent polling averages indicate a closely contested race, with Paxton holding a narrow lead over the incumbent senator.

Cornyn’s campaign reported raising $1.7 million in the first quarter and ending the period with nearly $5 million in cash on hand. When combined with allied political committees, the campaign reported roughly $9 million raised and more than $8 million available as the runoff approaches.

Campaign officials for Cornyn have emphasized the stakes of the race, arguing that the outcome could impact broader Republican electoral prospects in Texas. Meanwhile, Paxton’s campaign had not yet released its first-quarter fundraising figures ahead of the Federal Election Commission reporting deadline.

On the Democratic side, nominee James Talarico reported raising more than $27 million during the same period, setting up a well-funded general election contest following the Republican runoff.

The Texas GOP runoff is scheduled for May 26 and is expected to draw significant national attention as Republicans determine their nominee in one of the country’s key Senate races.