Candidates who lost in the Texas U.S. Senate Republican and Democrat primaries could play a pivotal role in who wins the general election in November.
A month after Attorney General Ken Paxton secured the Republican nomination and state Sen. James Talarico emerged as the Democrat standard-bearer, both candidates are still dealing with lingering divisions from bruising primary battles that could shape turnout and voter enthusiasm heading into November, The Texas Tribune reported.
On the Republican side, outgoing Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, has continued to criticize Paxton, refusing to campaign or raise money for the GOP nominee despite pledging to support the Republican ticket.
Cornyn has repeatedly stood by his characterization of Paxton as unfit for higher office and warned that the nomination could make it more difficult for Republicans to hold the seat.
In interviews with The New York Times and other outlets, Cornyn argued that President Donald Trump's late endorsement of Paxton helped tip the runoff race and could complicate Republican efforts in Texas and nationally.
Still, Cornyn said maintaining Republican control of the Senate remains important.
Some Texas Republicans have urged the party to move past the primary.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick recently called on Republicans to unite and keep Texas red, warning against intraparty feuding ahead of the midterms.
Republican strategist Brendan Steinhauser predicted that Paxton's campaign would broaden its message to appeal to traditional conservatives and independents while maintaining its conservative credentials.
Democrats face their own challenges.
Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, who lost the Democrat primary to Talarico, declined an invitation to headline this week's Texas Democratic Party convention and publicly questioned whether the nominee has done enough to energize Black voters, a critical Democrat constituency.
While Crockett has endorsed Talarico, she has indicated her focus will be on helping downballot candidates rather than serving as a leading surrogate for the Senate campaign.
Political analysts say the more immediate concern for Republicans may be retaining Cornyn's supporters.
Recent polling cited by The Texas Tribune found Talarico attracting a notable share of Cornyn voters and performing strongly among independents and moderates.
At the same time, Paxton remains favored among the Republican base and continues to benefit from Trump's endorsement.
With months remaining before Election Day, both parties are betting primary wounds will heal.
But the willingness of Cornyn Republicans and Crockett supporters to fully rally behind their nominees could ultimately determine whether Texas remains reliably Republican or becomes unexpectedly competitive.