TEXAS — As the largest Republican-controlled state, Texas helps set the tone with conservative legislation and garnered the attention of former President Donald Trump during this election cycle. Trump endorsed candidates in statewide and local races and Texas Republicans continue to support his presidential campaign.

What You Need To Know

  • Political experts say Texas Republican leaders have much to gain from a second Donald Trump presidency

  • Republicans such as Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller could be tapped for national roles 

  • There are also down-ballot benefits in Texas as Trump continues his campaign

  • There is speculation that Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton could be Trump's attorney general 

“No Republican can be elected president without winning Texas,” said Matthew Wilson, a Southern Methodist University professor of political sciences.

Top Texas Republicans, many of whom spoke during the Republican National Convention, could play a substantial role in the party’s future if there is a second Trump administration.

“There would be very realistic prospects for some of those Texas officials to get national level appointments,” said Wilson.

County level GOP officials also expect a power vacuum could occur.

“I've been looking at it since 2016 myself, waiting for somebody, whether it be Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick or Sid Miller or somebody who's beamed up to the Trump administration,” said Andy Hogue with the Travis County Republican Party.

Gov. Greg Abbott has said his interest is in Texas. Political experts say a second Trump term would benefit Abbott by taking a harder approach toward border security than the Biden-Harris administration.

“I think that would come in terms of policies that would help Gov. Abbott's agenda to secure the border, as well as likely material assistance, both financial and in terms of manpower,” said Wilson.

Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller is another one of Trump’s top Texas allies. Miller is driving a bus to swing states in support of Trump and most recently drove it to Wisconsin for the Republican National Convention.

“Everybody at the convention is voting for Donald Trump. We need to get out and get to work. So, we did some research and found that Columbus County here is a 50-50 county. So, I sent the bus and the crew over there,” Miller said. 

Miller was a finalist for U.S. Secretary of Agriculture in 2017.

“From the standpoint of Texas farmers and ranchers, it would be something that they would largely be pleased with,” said Wilson

There are also financial down-ballot benefits as Trump continues his campaign.

“Benefit of candidates down-ballot who don't make nearly as much money or cover nearly as much turf. They benefit from the more money that's spent and the higher number of volunteers and concentrated campaign talent,” said Hogue.

If Trump is elected, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton could be in the running to become his attorney general. But Paxton has hinted at challenging Republican Sen. John Cornyn in 2026.