Paxton offers to drop Senate bid if Republicans pass SAVE America Act

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton (R) is publicly offering to abandon his U.S. Senate campaign if Senate Republicans agree to change the filibuster rules and pass the SAVE America Act, a sweeping anti-voting bill. 

In a social media post Thursday, Paxton — who is in a high-stakes Republican primary runoff against Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) — tied his campaign directly to passage of the SAVE America Act, which is being heavily pushed by President Donald Trump.

“The Save America Act is the most important bill the U.S. Senate could ever pass, and I’m committed to helping President Trump get it done,” Paxton wrote. “I would consider dropping out of this race if Senate Leadership agrees to lift the filibuster and passes the SAVE America Act.”

The SAVE America Act would require documentary proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote in federal elections, impose a nationwide photo ID requirement to cast a ballot and mandate routine voter roll purges. Voting rights advocates warn it could disenfranchise millions of eligible voters.

Under current Senate rules, most legislation requires 60 votes to advance because of the filibuster — a procedural rule that allows a minority of senators to block a vote. Paxton is joining numerous MAGA activists in effectively urging Senate Republicans to eliminate that rule for the bill so it can pass with a simple majority.

Paxton’s ultimatum intensifies an already bitter Republican primary fight in Texas. 

Cornyn, a longtime Senate Republican leader, has not to this point supported eliminating the filibuster to pass the bill.

He responded to Paxton’s post by writing: 

“I repeat what I have consistently said: I support the bill and have encouraged Senate Republicans to get it done.”

Paxton framed his offer as part of his loyalty to Trump and his agenda.

“John Cornyn is a coward who has refused to support abolishing the filibuster to pass this bill,” Paxton added. “The truth is clear: No one has been more loyal to Donald Trump than me—fighting the stolen 2020 election, being in Mar-a-Lago when he announced his 2024 campaign, and standing with him in NY in the face of lawfare.”

Paxton’s proposal effectively turns his Senate campaign into a bargaining chip, suggesting he could step aside in the race if Republicans deliver on a centerpiece of Trump’s agenda. 

The message quickly drew praise from online far-right activists. 

“Ken Paxton is a patriot who is putting the country before himself,” far-right commentator Laura Loomer posted. “He’s truly the best man for the job. I hope President Trump sees his post.”

Anti-voting activist Scott Presler, one of the most prolific proponents of the bill, also celebrated Paxton’s offer.

“What a man of honor — to consider sacrificing his own political ambition to help save the country,” Presler wrote in response to Paxton’s post. “I have the utmost respect for you; you’re a hero.”

Earlier this week, Trump said he would soon endorse a candidate in the Texas runoff and urged the candidate he does not back to immediately exit the race. 

Paxton quickly rejected that idea, saying he would stay in the race regardless of whom Trump supports.