Former Texas Gov. Rick Perry (R) has endorsed Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) in his hotly contested primary battle, giving him a boost from the longtime Lone Star State Republican.
Perry said in a statement the senior Texas senator has proven the state can count on him to be a “steady conservative leader.”
“From securing our border to growing our energy economy, he delivers real results without the drama. He stands with President Trump, protects our values, and always puts Texas first,” Perry said. “That’s why I’m proud to endorse him for re-election.”
Cornyn said in a statement that he’s “honored” to have support from Perry, who served as governor of Texas from 2000-15 and also served as energy secretary during President Trump’s first term from 2017-19.
“His record-breaking tenure as Governor saw many conservative policy victories and the birth of the Texas Economic Miracle,” Cornyn said. “He built on that record by honorably serving our country and President Trump as his first Energy Secretary. I look forward to campaigning with him across Texas.”
Picking up Perry’s support could be a boost for Cornyn as he faces a competitive primary from state Attorney General Ken Paxton (R).
The race between the two candidates has gotten personal at times, with Paxton denouncing Cornyn as insufficiently supportive of Trump’s agenda and Cornyn attacking the legal scrutiny that Paxton has faced. Cornyn has also pointed to his voting record being overwhelmingly in line with Trump.
But polls have shown Paxton comfortably ahead of Cornyn, giving the incumbent ground to make up.
A key endorsement from Trump could be critical to determining who will win the primary, but Cornyn said last month that Trump is “not ready” to make an endorsement yet. He said he expects to close the gap in polling as he begins advertising more.
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