Trump's Influence Grows as Texas GOP Pivots Toward Outsiders

Fox News contributors Kaylee McGhee White and Meghan Hays weighed in on President Donald Trump's growing influence following Ken Paxton's clear win over John Cornyn in the Texas GOP primary runoff. This decisive result sent a loud message from Republican voters who are tired of established politicians, signaling a shift that could ripple into the general election where Paxton will battle far-left Democrat Talarico. The segment also pointed out how economic worries might shape voter choices in upcoming races across the state.

Wyoming Republicans picked former state House Speaker and current state Sen. Eric Barlow as their nominee for governor on Tuesday. This choice sets up a likely successor to outgoing Gov. Mark Gordon, reflecting the deep-red loyalty found among Wyoming's statewide leaders. Gordon had thought about running for a third term and breaking the two-term limit before changing his mind. That decision left Republicans with an open seat to fill in November's midterms.

Barlow won a four-way primary that included Degenfelder, Bien, and professional bull rider Curt Blake. Blake managed less than 1,000 votes once 26 percent of the total count was tallied, while Trump-endorsed State Superintendent Megan Degenfelder finished second behind Barlow. Marine Corps colonel and 2022 gubernatorial candidate Brent Bien came in third.

Financial reports cited by The Associated Press showed Degenfelder and Barlow entering the final stretch with roughly similar war chests. They raised about $1.3 million and $1.2 million, respectively. Bien reported pulling in about $192,000, while Blake did not raise any money at all.

Republicans head into the general election holding every statewide elected office in Wyoming. The state Legislature also holds overwhelming majorities for the GOP. This dominance makes the governor's race just one of several open-seat contests topping Wyoming's ballot this year. Other races include U.S. Senate, U.S. House, secretary of state, and superintendent of public instruction. All of these openings create a massive turnover in the state's political leadership.