Trump considers endorsement in Texas AG race

 CNN:

As Donald Trump seeks to remain a kingmaker in Republican politics, the former President teased an upcoming endorsement in an important statewide race in Texas.

In a new statement to CNN on Tuesday, Trump said he will soon be endorsing for Texas attorney general ahead of next year's GOP primary. The race will likely be between the incumbent, Ken Paxton, and current state land commissioner George P. Bush, who is expected to announce his challenge to Paxton as early as next week.

"I like them both very much. I'll be making my endorsement and recommendation to the great people of Texas in the not-so-distant future. I told Texas that Sleepy Joe would be against guns, oil, and God, and I was right!" Trump said Tuesday.

The jockeying for Trump's support is becoming standard practice in competitive Republican races.
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As Texas' attorney general, Paxton has been an ally of Trump's, including in the effort to overturn the results of the 2020 election. Last December, Paxton launched an ill-fated lawsuit against several other states that voted for Democrat Joe Biden, seeking to invalidate more than 17 million ballots. The Supreme Court dismissed the suit later that month.

One person involved with Texas Republican politics told CNN that Trump was frustrated and disappointed with Paxton's failed lawsuit.

Bush, meanwhile, appears to be seeking the Trump endorsement ahead of his expected entry into the attorney general race. On Monday, Bush tweeted a photo of himself talking on the phone.

"Great to speak with President Trump to discuss the future of Texas and how we are keeping up the fight to put America first. I appreciate the words of encouragement and support. Big things coming soon!" he wrote on Twitter.

The 45-year-old Bush has not yet announced his candidacy, though he has said he is considering it and may enter the race at a planned campaign rally next week. A spokesperson for Bush did not return a request for comment.

Despite Bush's devotion to Trump, other members of his famous political family long have denounced the former President. Bush's uncle and grandfather, former GOP Presidents George W. Bush and the late George H.W. Bush, distanced themselves from Trump. And after January 6, George W. Bush criticized the state of the Republican Party under Trump's leadership as "isolationist, protectionist and, to a certain extent, nativist."

But his nephew has taken a different tack as he seeks higher office as a Republican in Texas.
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While Paxton has had some legal problems of his own, he has done a good job of thwarting some of Biden's more radical moves including getting a court to block his attempt to hold up criminal deportations.  I think the Supreme Court should have taken his case involving the election.

George P. Bush has generally been more conservative than some members of his family.  He has also run into opposition to some of his plans for the Alamo in his role as Land Commissioner.