John Cornyn

To the Editor:

Re “Cornyn’s Loss Further Rankles Republicans in Senate” (news analysis, May 28):

President Trump’s successful intervention in Republican primaries across the country indicates that the United States no longer has an independent conservative political party.

On the right side of the political spectrum there is only a Trump party, which is characterized not by specific policies or a coherent political philosophy but rather solely by loyalty to Mr. Trump personally.

Politicians who show insufficient fealty to the leader risk being purged from the party, even after having spent decades promoting conservative policies.

Jay Geller

Shaker Heights, Ohio

To the Editor:

Re “Paxton Ousts Cornyn, Solidifying Trump’s Grip on G.O.P.” (news article, nytimes.com, May 26):

Ken Paxton didn’t just oust Senator John Cornyn, the incumbent; he crushed him by 28 percentage points in the Texas Senate primary Tuesday. While this was another win for Donald Trump as he continues his campaign of retribution, Mr. Paxton’s victory could cost Republicans a vital Senate seat in November.

Mr. Paxton, the scandal-ridden Texas attorney general, is a terrible candidate. The only thing going for him is Mr. Trump’s endorsement. James Talarico, the Democratic candidate for Mr. Cornyn’s seat, is a bright, young and extremely popular Texan who is in a dead heat with Mr. Paxton in early polling. Mr. Talarico is considered the best chance for Democrats to win a Senate seat in Texas since Lloyd Bentsen in 1970.

For Republicans, this race may turn into the most expensive in the nation, depriving the G.O.P. of funds it will need in other razor-thin races in states like Maine and Alaska.

Thank you for your patience while we verify access. If you are in Reader mode please exit and log into your Times account, or subscribe for all of The Times.

Thank you for your patience while we verify access.

Already a subscriber? Log in.

Want all of The Times? Subscribe.