Source: Fox News
Introduction
Former President George W. Bush recently lent his support to Republican fundraising efforts, though notably omitting assistance for a prominent GOP Senate nominee. As political alignments shift ahead of the upcoming midterms, establishment figures and Donald Trump's inner circle continue to navigate complex internal party dynamics.
While George W. Bush raises money for Republicans, but not key Senate candidate Ken Paxton, various political action committees and party leaders are mobilizing resources. The high-stakes electoral landscape involves critical Senate seats across the nation as both parties vie for legislative control.
What Happened
Senator John Cornyn of Texas hosted a fundraising event for the political action committee Maintain the Majority, featuring the former commander-in-chief as a special guest. Notably absent from the list of joint fund participants was Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who successfully unseated Cornyn during the primary race earlier in the election cycle.
The exclusion highlights ongoing intraparty friction within the Republican establishment. Furthermore, other Trump-aligned nominees such as Mike Collins of Georgia and Michael Whatley of North Carolina were similarly left off the roster of beneficiaries supported by the PAC event.
Background
The strained relationship between the Bush political family and Donald Trump's favored candidates is well-documented. Ken Paxton notably defeated George P. Bush during the 2022 Republican primary for the Texas attorney general office, adding personal history to the current political divide.
Adding to the establishment fracture, former senior presidential advisor Karl Rove recently indicated he would consider voting for a Texas Democrat. Meanwhile, contrasting financial operations are underway, with MAGA Inc. reporting substantial war chests under the direction of Karoline Leavitt.
Timeline
| Date / Timeline Event | Details |
|---|---|
| 2022 Primary Election | Ken Paxton defeated George P. Bush in the Republican primary for Texas attorney general. |
| September 21, 2026 | The New York Times reported on the Maintain the Majority fundraiser featuring George W. Bush and John Cornyn. |
| September 21, 2026 (Morning) | Senator Cornyn published an X post detailing upcoming electoral deadlines without mentioning Paxton. |
| October 19, 2026 | Early voting in Texas is scheduled to begin, exactly 28 days following the September 21 report. |
| October 30, 2026 | Early voting period concludes in the state of Texas. |
| November 3, 2026 | Election Day for the 2026 midterms, occurring 43 days after the September 21 announcement. |
Key Details
Maintain the Majority includes several participants such as Senators Dan Sullivan, Jon Husted, and Susan Collins, alongside nominees like Mike Rogers, John E. Sununu, Ashley Hinson, and late addition Michele Tafoya. The current Senate distribution stands at a narrow 53-47 Republican majority.
Republican National Committee Chair Joe Gruters expressed confidence regarding the Texas Senate seat remaining securely in conservative hands. Gruters noted that Paxton maintains a proven winning record in general elections despite the contentious primary battle against Cornyn.
Impact
The outcome of the midterm elections carries significant weight for the legislative balance in Washington. Maintaining the Senate majority allows the Republican Party to effectively temper Democratic momentum during the final two years of Trump's presidency, particularly if the slender 218-214 House majority is compromised.
Toss-up states identified by recent political power rankings include Michigan, Iowa, Texas, Ohio, Maine, and Alaska. Democrats are targeting seats held by incumbent Republicans and nominees, while the GOP looks toward potential pickups in Michigan, New Hampshire, and Georgia.
What Happens Next
Voters in Texas will head to the polls as early voting opens on October 19, 2026, leading up to the conclusion of the early voting period on October 30. The formal midterms will culminate on Election Day, scheduled for Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
Campaign efforts continue to intensify as resources flow into battleground states. Republican leadership aims to secure legislative victories and promote party initiatives, such as the Save America Act, despite ongoing internal divisions among high-profile political figures.
