HUNT VALLEY, Md. (TNND) — Senate Majority Leader John Thune has warned that a Texas Republican’s seat may flip blue if he loses an upcoming primary election.

Thune told Politico in a recent interview that the seat held by Senator John Cornyn, who was first elected in 2002, could go to a Democrat if he is defeated by state Attorney General Ken Paxton in next week’s primary.

“Honestly, if you look at the polling in a general election setting, I don’t think it’s outside the realm of possibility that the seat [flips], depending on who the Democrats nominate,” Thune said.

A survey conducted by Emerson College last month found Cornyn performing better than Paxton against both of the Democratic candidates, U.S. Representative Jasmine Crockett and state Representative James Talarico. Cornyn leads Crockett and Talarico by a few percentage points, while Paxton is even with the candidates.

The last time a non-incumbent Texas Democrat won a Senate seat was 1970.

Thune endorsed Cornyn last year, when he called him “one of the most effective and respected conservative leaders in the country” who has helped build Republican majorities. Cornyn has also expressed concern over the effect a Paxton win could have on the GOP’s current Senate makeup, writing in a social media post on Tuesday that “we cannot afford to gamble that away.”

“For decades, Texans have worked to build a strong Republican majority and a conservative future, and Senator @JohnCornyn is proud to be a part of that,” his campaign team wrote on X.

Paxton has accused Cornyn of fearmongering and said Friday that his opponent doesn’t care about maintaining the majority.

“The Democrats’ biggest ally in this race is the kamikaze campaign Cornyn’s running. He’s desperate, he knows he is going to lose, and his only only goal is to hurt me and the party,” Paxton posted on X.

Both Republicans have wanted an endorsement from President Donald Trump, who could impact their chances but has stayed out of the race. Trump told reporters last week that he likes Cornyn, Paxton and U.S. Representative Wesley Hunt, who is trailing his opponents in the polls.

“Those are the toughest races. They’ve all supported me, they’re all good, and you’re supposed to pick one, so we’ll see what happens,” Trump said.

“But I support all three.”

A candidate in the primary election needs to win half of the vote. None of the Republicans are polling close to that share, so a runoff is likely.

Have questions, concerns or tips? Send them to Ray at rjlewis@sbgtv.com.