Donald Trump endorsed Ken Paxton in the Texas Senate runoff, citing Paxton's loyalty and 'America First' stance.

The president's jump into the race just days before the May 26 runoff may seem random. But Republican experts see several potential reasons for the timing.

In a major blow to incumbent Sen. John Cornyn, President Trump on Tuesday endorsed the Texas attorney general in their heated Republican primary runoff for the U.S. Senate.

President Trump said he plans to make an endorsement in the key Texas Republican primary runoff after staying neutral for months.

Trump had previously set expectations-and pressure-for the runoff in unusually blunt terms. In a March Truth Social post, he said the GOP Senate race "cannot, for the good of the

"I'm so honored to have President Trump's endorsement," Paxton said. "His endorsement, in my opinion, is the most significant endorsement in my lifetime. So, when he endorses, it has a tremendous impact.

One Republican senator told reporters that President Trump's decision to endorse Ken Paxton in Texas puts a Senate seat in jeopardy.

The president faced pressure from his base to endorse the state's attorney general, Ken Paxton. But advisers had urged him to support Sen. John Cornyn, arguing that Paxton has too much baggage.