Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced Thursday that he would consider dropping out of the Republican U.S. Senate primary runoff against Sen. John Cornyn if Senate GOP leaders agree to eliminate the filibuster and pass the SAVE America Act.

Paxton's offer came hours after President Donald Trump indicated to Politico that Paxton's earlier refusal to exit the race even if Trump endorsed Cornyn was "bad for him." Trump, who stayed neutral in the first-round primary, posted on Truth Social Wednesday that he would endorse one candidate soon and expect the other to withdraw "for the good of the Party."

The March 3 primary forced a May 26 runoff after neither Paxton nor Cornyn cleared 50%. Unofficial tallies showed Cornyn with 43% and Paxton with 40%, eliminating Rep. Wesley Hunt. The contest, the most expensive U.S. Senate primary in history, has drawn national attention amid GOP concerns over holding the seat in November against Democratic nominee state Rep. James Talarico.

In a social media post, Paxton stated, "The Save America Act is the most important bill the U.S. Senate could ever pass, and I’m committed to helping President Donald Trump get it done. I would consider dropping out of this race if Senate Leadership agrees to lift the filibuster and passes the SAVE America Act," He added that "no one has been more loyal to Donald Trump than me," citing his role in challenging the 2020 election results and support during Trump's legal battles.

Paxton accused Cornyn of being "a coward who has refused to support abolishing the filibuster to pass this bill." Cornyn, who supports the legislation, responded by reiterating his backing and urging Senate Republicans to advance it, without addressing filibuster changes.

Sponsored by Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, the SAVE America Act requires documentary proof of U.S. citizenship, such as a birth certificate or passport, for federal voter registration, photo ID at polls, and routine purges of voter rolls. The bill passed the House in February but stalled in the Senate, where Republicans hold 53 seats and need 60 votes to overcome a filibuster. Trump demanded its passage "with PASSION, and at the expense of everything else" on Truth Social Thursday.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., has expressed skepticism about altering filibuster rules, though some Republicans have floated a "talking filibuster" alternative requiring opponents to hold the floor indefinitely. Paxton launched his Senate bid against Cornyn, a potential GOP leader, in April 2025, positioning himself as a Trump ally despite past scandals, including an impeachment acquittal.

Under Texas law, a runoff candidate cannot withdraw after a deadline following the primary canvass, or the remaining contender becomes the nominee.