Trump Tightens GOP Grip With Paxton Win as Gas Prices Jump More Than 50%

7 articles · Updated · The Associated Press · May 27

Ken Paxton’s Texas runoff victory, powered by Trump’s endorsement, extended the president’s primary winning streak and reinforced his control over Republican candidate selection heading into November.
Trump simultaneously brushed off electoral and household-cost concerns, saying “I don’t care about the midterms” and treating affordability worries as secondary to stopping Iran from getting a nuclear weapon.
More than 50% higher U.S. gas prices since the Iran strikes, along with tariff-driven cost pressures, are fueling Republican fears that Trump is giving Democrats potent economic attacks in battleground races.
$356 million held by MAGA Inc. has added to private GOP frustration because strategists say they still lack clarity on how Trump’s political operation will spend its cash to protect a narrow 220-215 House majority.
A 53-47 Senate edge still leaves the chamber in play, and Republicans worry Trump-backed nominees such as Paxton—despite his scandals and $300,000 restitution deal—could be weaker in a broader general-election electorate.

How does a contentious primary victory impact a candidate's ability to attract moderate voters in November?

With primary spending reaching historic highs, what does this signal for future campaign finance?