AUSTIN, Texas — With early voting underway, the Republican primary race for U.S. Senate in Texas is intensifying as incumbent Sen. John Cornyn urges voters to cast ballots and warns against complacency.

Cornyn kicked off early voting with a message aimed at keeping Republicans in power.

“I can do that again and help President Trump and help Republicans keep Texas red,” Cornyn said.

Speaking at an event in South Austin this afternoon, Cornyn highlighted his positions on border security, voter transparency, and affordable health care. U.S. Border Patrol members and former Texas Gov. Rick Perry attended and endorsed him. “John Cornyn has been good for Texas for decades,” Perry said.

Cornyn is being challenged in the Republican primary by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and U.S. Rep. Wesley Hunt. At the event, Cornyn criticized his opponents and suggested the contest is likely headed to a runoff.

“We haven’t lost a statewide election since 1994, but we could this year if the wrong person is at the top of the ticket,” Cornyn said.

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Cornyn also aimed at Paxton, saying, “Republicans up and down the ticket will pay the price of having an albatross like our corrupt Attorney General hung around their neck.”

In response, Paxton’s campaign said in a statement: “Character matters in this race, and that’s why the people of Texas overwhelmingly support Ken Paxton. They know that he is a conservative warrior who will always fight for us and our freedoms.”

Political experts say the race could be close. Josh Blank, Research Director for the Texas Politics Project, said Paxton has held a small polling advantage but not enough to avoid a runoff.

“Paxton has maintained something of an advantage among the Republican ledger, but it’s a minor advantage. It’s nothing, putting him anywhere near the majority necessary to avoid a runoff. Cornyn remains nipping at his heels, and ultimately improving in his polling, although not as much as one would expect given how much money is being spent on his behalf. And then Hunt has maintained a consistent presence in this race,” Blank said.

Fundraising totals show Cornyn with a sizable financial edge. The Texas Tribune reported Cornyn had $12 million more cash on hand than Paxton and more than $14 million more than Hunt at the end of January.

Cornyn continued to press voters to turn out.

“Let’s make sure that we don’t indulge in complacency. That means every vote counts,” he said.

Hunt’s campaign said he will respond to Cornyn’s comments when he comes to Austin on Thursday.

Early voting ends Feb. 27, and Election Day is March 3.