The National Republican Senatorial Committee and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton on Monday filed paperwork to create a joint fundraising committee, signaling that the national organization is smoothing over its row with the GOP nominee after a bitter primary challenge.

Paxton managed to oust Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, in May after President Donald Trump threw his support behind the Texas AG at the last minute. Polling had shown Paxton narrowly defeating Cornyn before the endorsement. The NRSC, for its part, traditionally defends incumbent lawmakers and was vocally anti-Paxton during the primary.

A source told Politico that the NRSC would give Paxton "the same treatment we give all of our candidates and incumbents."

Paxton has long been an outsider and maverick candidate within Republican politics. He managed to survive an impeachment effort led by legacy Republicans in the state legislature and has fended off several scandals involving alleged personal misconduct.

He ultimately defeated Cornyn by nearly two to one and will face Democratic candidate James Talarico in the November general election. The contest is expected to favor the Republican, as the state broke for President Donald Trump by double digits in 2024, though it will likely be closer.

Ben Whedon is the Chief Political Correspondent for Just the News. Follow him on X.