Max Lucado backs John Cornyn for re-election to US Senate, praises his 'remarkable integrity'

Prominent megachurch Pastor Max Lucado is publicly throwing his support behind Republican Sen. John Cornyn for re-election, praising him for fulfilling his “calling to government service with remarkable integrity,” as he faces significant challengers in the upcoming primary. 

In a video posted to X last week, Lucado endorsed Cornyn and detailed his personal relationship with the longtime lawmaker’s father, which dates back to when the pastor first arrived in Texas to lead the San Antonio-based Oak Hills Church in the late 1980s. 

“Among our members was a well-spoken physician who made it a point to comment on each sermon,” he said. “Sometimes, he gave me a compliment. Other times, he gave me honest and constructive criticism. I came to look forward to his feedback, treasured his friendship.”

After noting that the unnamed physician was a “long-time deacon at our church,” Lucado identified the man he was speaking about as John Cornyn Jr. “His son, John Cornyn III, would go on to distinguish himself as a member of the Texas Supreme Court, United States senator for a combined 30 years,” he said.

“For all these decades, I have considered it a privilege to call Senator Cornyn a friend and a brother in Christ,” he added. “From my perspective, Senator Cornyn has managed to fulfill his calling to government service with remarkable integrity.”

Lucado continued: “I don’t typically mention politics or politicians in a public fashion. When I do, it’s motivated from the heart. Senator Cornyn and his wife certainly have a place in my heart. I thank them for their commitment.”

“I will make it a point to remember them in the upcoming Texas primary on March 3,” he vowed.

After encouraging his followers to vote, Lucado prayed that “the Lord’s greatest blessings” would be upon “all those whom He selects for public service.” 

In an X post published last week, Cornyn’s campaign shared a 30-second ad featuring an excerpt of Lucado’s endorsement accompanied by a caption stating, “Senator @JohnCornyn is honored by Pastor Max Lucado’s words and grateful for his friendship over many years” and described the pastor’s “faith and integrity” as “an example to so many Texans.” 

As explained in the Biographical Directory of Congress, Cornyn served as a judge in Bexar County, Texas, from 1984-1990, and on the Texas Supreme Court from 1990-1997, before becoming Texas Attorney General in 1999. He was first elected to the U.S. Senate in 2002 and briefly served as an appointed U.S. senator that year to finish the term of Sen. Phil Gramm. Cornyn served as the Senate Republican whip from 2013-2018. 

Lucado’s endorsement of Cornyn comes as the four-term senator finds himself locked in a tight primary challenge as he seeks to win the Republican Party’s nomination for Senate and run for re-election this fall.

The RealClearPolitics average of polls taken between Dec. 1 and Feb. 3 finds Cornyn trailing one of his primary challengers, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, by 2 percentage points. The polling average shows Paxton with 29.8% support, followed by Cornyn at 27.8% and Rep. Wesley Hunt at 19.5%. 

With no candidate polling near 50%, a runoff between the two candidates who receive the highest number of votes in the March 3 primary seems likely. The runoff election, if needed, will take place on May 26. 

Republicans currently hold 53 of 100 U.S. Senate seats, meaning that they cannot afford to lose more than four seats in this year’s election and maintain their majority. Republicans are favored to hold the Senate seat, although it might end up as a closer race than expected.  

General election polling matchups compiled by RealClearPolitics show Cornyn beating potential Democratic rivals James Talarico and Jasmine Crockett by 2 and 3.5 percentage points, respectively, while Paxton leads both Democrats by 1 percentage point. Hunt leads Talarico by 3.5 percentage points and Crockett by 4 percentage points.