Good morning. You’re reading the Up First newsletter. Subscribe here to get it delivered to your inbox, and listen to the Up First podcast for all the news you need to start your day.
Today’s Highlights
Ken Paxton, backed by Trump, has emerged victorious against the long-standing GOP Senator John Cornyn in the Texas primary runoff, securing the Republican nomination for the U.S. Senate. Paxton, aged 63, surpassed the 74-year-old Cornyn with nearly double the votes. The competition, which led to a runoff after the March primary, has been labeled the most expensive in Senate history, with Republicans spending $100 million.
Republican Senate nominee Ken Paxton speaks to supporters at a watch party on March 3 in Dallas. Paxton beat incumbent Sen. John Cornyn in a runoff for the nomination, setting up a tough fight in November against Democratic nominee, state Rep. James Talarico.
Sergio Flores/Getty Images
- 🎧 The Texas election signals a shift within the party, as Andrew Schneider from Houston Public Media discussed with Up First. John Cornyn’s defeat illustrates the party’s move to the right since his initial election. Last month, a poll suggested that Paxton’s association with Trump could enable him to defeat Cornyn significantly. Paxton will now compete with Democratic candidate James Talarico, portraying Talarico as too liberal for Texas. Talarico countered by spotlighting his district-flipping success in areas supporting Trump.
- ➡️ Attorney General race heats up as Democrat Nathan Johnson and Republican Mayes Middleton vie for the position in November, replacing Paxton. (via KERA News)
- ➡️ In a Democratic primary runoff for Texas’ 18th Congressional District, U.S. Rep. Christian Menefee defeated Al Green, according to the Associated Press. (via Houston Public Radio)
- ➡️ Texas sets its general election matchups. Discover four key takeaways from the primary runoffs.
South Carolina legislators thwarted Trump’s redistricting push, which aimed to favor Republicans by changing voting maps before the midterms. The proposed map could have flipped the state’s only Democratic-held House seat, intensifying the GOP’s advantage in national redistricting. Rep. James Clyburn currently holds this seat.
- 🎧 Redistricting has been a major focus in South Carolina over the past few weeks, according to South Carolina Public Radio’s Gavin Jackson. Despite pressure for a new map, local senators resisted, wanting to avoid lawsuits and election delays. The senators’ intent was not to rebuke Trump but to be pragmatic, Jackson explains.
- ➡️ In Alabama, a federal court has blocked the state’s plan to use a new congressional map that favors Republicans, amid ongoing debates over Black voter representation.
The Department of Homeland Security is enhancing its iris scanning capabilities, raising privacy concerns. The agency has awarded a $25 million contract to BI2 Technologies for iris scanners, significantly increasing its previous contract value. This expansion is part of broader deportation efforts. Learn more about the privacy implications here.
The Trump administration has erased records related to the January 6 Capitol attack, including details on prosecutions of those who assaulted police officers. This deletion is seen as part of an effort to reshape the narrative of the event. More information on the deletions here.
- ➡️ NPR offers a comprehensive database of the January 6 prosecutions. Access it here.
Church and State
Housing and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner prays during a Cabinet meeting with President Donald Trump at the White House in Washington on Feb. 26, 2025, as Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick also bow their heads.
Pool photo/AP
At NPR, we’re delving into the fusion of religion and politics through our new series Church and State. This trend has been gaining traction, particularly during the Trump administrations, influencing U.S. culture in various forms.
In a recent video by the Department of Homeland Security, the phrase “Blessed are the peacemakers” from the Bible was featured alongside scenes of immigration enforcement. This highlights how biblical references are used to support government actions, a practice seen in previous administrations but now applied in new contexts under Trump. Explore the different perspectives on this approach.
From Our Hosts
UFC president and CEO Dana White speaks to Steve Inskeep for NPR’s Newsmakers at Newark’s Prudential Center.
A temporary outdoor stadium is being set up on the White House South Lawn for the UFC’s mixed martial arts event on June 14.
Steve Inskeep recently interviewed UFC chief Dana White for NPR’s Newsmakers.
Speaking with White at a UFC event in New Jersey, he expressed concerns about hosting the event outdoors due to potential weather issues. Despite his reservations, White agreed to the setup, considering it a significant honor celebrating the nation’s 250th anniversary.
White, a friend of Trump, has had his UFC events hosted at Trump-owned venues. However, in the interview, he emphasized the diversity of UFC fighters, which includes many immigrants and refugees. White intends to highlight this diversity during the event rather than framing it as a nationalistic competition.
3 Things to Know Before You Go
Players of the United States pose for a team photo on stage during the U.S. Soccer World Cup roster reveal on Tuesday in New York City.
Adam Hunger/Getty Images
- The U.S. men’s national soccer team has unveiled its 26-player roster for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, featuring a blend of experienced players and newcomers.
- As the French Open commences in Paris, questions arise about the venue’s namesake, a World War I pilot with no known tennis connections. Discover why it’s called Roland Garros.
- The Trump administration has put forward a nondisclosure agreement proposal for federal employees, citing concerns over leaks involving immigration enforcement and the Venezuela raid.
This newsletter was edited by Suzanne Nuyen.
