Former President George W. Bush and Senator John Cornyn headlined a Dallas fundraiser for Republican Senate candidates on Monday evening. The event benefited Maintain the Majority, supporting GOP nominees defending seats in Maine, Ohio, Alaska, and Iowa, while targeting flip opportunities in Michigan and New Hampshire.

Michele Tafoya, the Republican nominee for Senate in Minnesota, was added as a late guest. Notably absent was Ken Paxton, the Republican nominee in Texas, who recently defeated Cornyn in a costly primary. Paxton’s campaign declined to comment on the exclusion.

The fundraiser highlights the ongoing rift between the Bush-era establishment and the insurgent wing aligned with Paxton and former President Donald Trump. Despite raising significant funds, Paxton has trailed his Democratic opponent in campaign finances, though allied super PACs have reserved over $80 million in outside advertising for the Texas race. Tensions remain high, with Mr. Cornyn recently criticizing Paxton’s campaign effectiveness, while Paxton has fired back with accusations of laziness and poor fundraising.

The event underscores the deepening divide within Texas Republican ranks as the party battles for cash and advertising time in one of the year's top Senate contests.