President Donald Trump arrived in Corpus Christi, Texas, on Friday for a speech on energy policy, drawing the three leading Republican candidates in the state's U.S. Senate primary who all sought his endorsement just days before the March 3 vote. Trump reiterated his support for incumbent Sen. John Cornyn, Attorney General Ken Paxton and Rep. Wesley Hunt, saying he liked "all three" but had not decided on an endorsement.

Recent polls showed Paxton holding a slight lead in the GOP primary with about 32 percent support, followed closely by Cornyn at 30 percent and Hunt at 21 percent, with the remainder undecided or supporting minor candidates. Analysts expect no candidate to reach a majority, triggering a May 26 runoff between the top two finishers.

Cornyn, seeking a fifth term, has faced criticism from the party's MAGA wing for past bipartisan efforts, including a 2022 gun safety bill and support for Ukraine aid. His allies, including Senate Republican leaders, have spent over $60 million on ads emphasizing his 99 percent alignment with Trump's agenda during his first term. Cornyn warned that nominating Paxton would lead to an "electoral massacre" in November, citing the attorney general's legal troubles including a 2023 impeachment trial from which he was acquitted.

Paxton, a staunch Trump ally who challenged the 2020 election results, has surged among conservative voters with attacks portraying Cornyn as a "RINO." He shrugged off the lack of a Trump endorsement, claiming momentum from his record on border security and lawsuits against the Biden administration. Hunt, a rising star at age 44, positioned himself as a bridge to the next generation of conservatives but trails in surveys.

Trump's neutrality has intensified the contest, reflecting the GOP's internal shift under his influence despite Cornyn's long tenure since 2002. While all candidates attended Trump's event, his decision remains pending, with sources indicating factors like electability and loyalty will guide any late move.

The primary outcome carries stakes for Republicans' narrow Senate majority. General election polls show Cornyn leading Democrats Jasmine Crockett and James Talarico by 45-50 percent to their 43-47 percent, while Paxton holds narrower edges. No Democrat has won statewide in Texas since 1994, but a bloody primary could drain resources from other battlegrounds.