(The Center Square) – With border security a top U.S. Senate race issue, more than 200 leaders and law enforcement from border communities have endorsed incumbent U.S. Sen. John Cornyn. Attorney General Ken Paxton is challenging him in a May 26 runoff election.
Throughout the border crises under multiple presidents, south Texas ranchers and law enforcement argue it was Cornyn and his staff who provided federal support when they needed it most. Endorsers include pastors, ISD trustees, mayors, county commissioners, city council members, retired military leaders, former county GOP chairs, dozens of sheriffs and agricultural associations stretching along the border from El Paso to Cameron counties.
Paxton argues he’s strong on the border. He sued the Biden administration more than 100 times, including over border security issues, The Center Square reported. Paxton also claims he “is running to help President Trump finish the border wall and protect our national sovereignty.” He also says if elected, “he will help President Trump deport the criminal illegal aliens Joe Biden invited into the country, secure the border, and complete the construction of the border wall.”
Border residents supported the lawsuits but say their relationship with Cornyn goes back years. His support for significant economic development and much-needed resources to ranchers and farmers is invaluable.
“Our region of the state has often been overlooked, but that has never been the case with Senator John Cornyn. He understands the needs of our region, our people, and has visited often to better understand how he can help towns like ours at the federal level. He has helped foster international trade to boost our region, fought for our water rights, and is helping us solve our infrastructure challenges,” Pharr Mayor Dr. Ambrosio Hernandez said.
Also in the Rio Grande Valley, McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos said Cornyn is “a man of integrity who has fought for sound economic policies that have helped lift up South Texas.”
Laredo’s former mayor Pete Saenz agreed, saying, “South Texas, as well as the Rio Grande Valley, faces many challenges, and Sen. Cornyn has been with us every step of the way in meeting those challenges head-on. He has fought to keep taxes low for working families, worked with President Trump to secure our border, and is helping us solve our infrastructure needs to ensure our community has the foundation to thrive.”
In far west Texas, Cornyn understands what communities “like El Paso need to thrive: strong economic development, secure and efficient borders, and a commitment to public safety,” former El Paso Mayor Dee Margo said. “Over the years, I’ve seen firsthand how effective leadership can help foster growth, protect our families, and strengthen the unique binational ties that define our region.”
Jon Barela, CEO of The Borderplex Alliance, agreed, saying, Cornyn “has been a steadfast advocate for hardworking El Paso families, fighting to keep taxes low and opportunity within reach. His leadership has championed pro-growth, pro-trade economic policies that have strengthened our border region and helped attract new jobs and investment.”
Statewide, Chris Williston, President & CEO of the Independent Bankers Association of Texas, said Cornyn “has been a reliable advocate for policies that recognize the vital role community banks play in expanding access to capital, supporting small businesses, and strengthening hometown economies across Texas.” TEXPAC Chair Dr. John Shepherd said Cornyn “has built lasting relationships with physicians across Texas and has demonstrated a clear commitment to strengthening patient care and supporting the medical profession. His experience, leadership, and seniority in the Senate give Texas an influential voice on complex healthcare issues, and he has consistently shown that he understands the real-world challenges facing physicians and their patients.”
Russell Boening, president of the Texas Farm Bureau Ag Fund, said 12 agriculture organizations representing cattle, citrus, corn, cotton, wheat, and peanuts support Cornyn. Cornyn “opened foreign markets to our crops and beef. He is a leader on water issues and a champion of the Farm Bill. Texas is a big state with complicated challenges. Sen. Cornyn has the work ethic and the clout to deliver for our farmers and ranchers,” he said.
On border security, District Attorney for Kleberg and Kenedy counties John Hubert said Cornyn “has steadfastly defended our Constitution, helped to secure the border, confirmed principled conservative judges nominated by President Trump, and worked to make sure our communities are safe.” Dozens of border sheriffs have endorsed him.
Susan Kibbe, the former executive director of South Texas Property Rights Association, said she’s been working with Cornyn and his staff since 2006. His staff helped Brooks County get a federal border county designation to receive much needed federal funds and assisted with a range of property rights issues.
“Our relationships with Sen. Cornyn and his staff have always been reliable. Sen. Cornyn has our back. He will listen. He’s only one man in the U.S. Senate but he’s responded to everything we’ve asked for help with, from water to the screwworm, cattle fever tick and additional resources for law enforcement. Cornyn has developed coalitions with multiple groups that normally wouldn’t have worked well together.”
One of the biggest sticking points is the issue of invasion, multiple voters told The Center Square. For years, Paxton declined to issue a legal opinion on invasion even after the former Arizona attorney general did. As 55 counties declared an invasion at the southern border, Paxton remained silent. His top deputy denied Texas was being invaded as ranchers feared for their lives, they argue.
Outgoing Republican Congressman Troy Nehls has endorsed Paxton, saying he “is a conservative warrior who has always stood with President Trump and been a champion for the people of Texas.” Paxton was his guest at the State of the Union Address. Another Texas Republican, U.S. Rep. Lance Gooden, has endorsed Paxton saying he “is the conservative champion we need in the U.S. Senate” and “will take a sledgehammer to the establishment, secure the border, and fight hard for President Trump’s agenda. Ken Paxton has my complete and total endorsement.”
Both Nehls and Gooden voted against disclosing information about congressmembers who have used taxpayer money to settle sexual harassment claims, The Center Square reported.
