Thune Breaks With Trump, Backs Cornyn After Paxton Endorsement – Full Article

Early voting in the runoff began Monday and continues through Friday, with Election Day set for May 26.

Despite the internal divisions, Thune expressed confidence Republicans would retain control of the Senate in November.

“I’m very confident we’ll hang on — and maybe even expand the majority of the United States Senate,” Thune said.

Republicans currently hold a six-seat Senate majority. Democrats would need a net gain of four seats to retake control of the chamber.

Several races, including contests in Maine, Michigan, and North Carolina, are currently viewed as highly competitive.

The Texas race has become particularly important because Democrats believe a bruising Republican runoff could weaken the eventual GOP nominee heading into the general election against Democratic candidate James Talarico.