Tillis Calls Trump's Paxton Endorsement a 'Colossal Mistake'

US Senator Thom Tillis, a Republican from North Carolina, publicly criticized former President Donald Trump on Sunday, characterizing Trump's endorsement of Ken Paxton in the Texas Senate Republican primary as a "colossal mistake." Tillis made these remarks during an interview on CNN's State of the Union program. He specifically referenced Trump's decision to back Paxton, the incumbent Attorney General of Texas, over the incumbent US Senator John Cornyn. Paxton ultimately defeated Cornyn in the May primary election. Tillis, who has a history of being a critic of Trump, expressed concern that Trump's intervention in the Texas primary could jeopardize the Republican party's hold on the Senate seat. The senator's comments highlight internal Republican divisions regarding Trump's influence in party primaries and candidate selection. Cornyn, a seasoned politician with a long tenure in the Senate, was seen by some as a more traditional Republican candidate, while Paxton has faced significant legal and ethical challenges during his time as Texas Attorney General. Trump's endorsement of Paxton was seen by many as a move to consolidate his influence within the Republican party, rewarding loyalty and punishing perceived disloyalty. However, Tillis's statement suggests that this strategy may have backfired in the case of the Texas Senate race, potentially alienating moderate Republicans or independent voters who might otherwise support the party's nominee. The outcome of the Texas primary, where Paxton secured victory with Trump's backing, has been a focal point for discussions about the direction of the Republican party and the extent of Trump's sway over its electoral prospects. Tillis's assessment implies that the endorsement, rather than securing a guaranteed win, has introduced an element of risk for the Republican party in the general election. The senator's public critique underscores the ongoing debate within the GOP about the balance between party unity, candidate viability, and the impact of Trump's endorsements on electoral outcomes. The race for the Texas Senate seat is considered crucial for the balance of power in the US Senate, making any perceived misstep by a party leader particularly significant.