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Trump endorses Ken Paxton over GOP incumbent John Cornyn in Texas Senate primary

Cornyn reiterated his commitment to the runoff after Trump endorsed Paxton.

Trump endorses Ken Paxton over GOP incumbent John Cornyn in Texas Senate primary
Image · ABC News

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This article1 analysis · Oct 6, 2026
ABC News
May 19, 2026
tl;dr

President Donald Trump endorsed Ken Paxton over incumbent John Cornyn in Texas’s May 26 Republican Senate primary runoff. Paxton and Cornyn responded, while Democratic candidate James Talarico criticized both Republicans.

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John Cornyn R · TX · SEN
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John Cornyn
R · TX · SEN

Republican incumbent seeking a fifth Senate term

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Donald Trump
R · President of the United States

President who endorsed Paxton in the Republican Senate primary runoff

Trump's version of this story ↗
Ken Paxton
R · TX

Republican Senate candidate endorsed by Trump

Paxton's version of this story ↗

Democratic Senate candidate who will face the runoff winner in November

Representative who lost to Talarico in the March 3 primary

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Trump Endorses Ken Paxton Over John Cornyn in Texas GOP Runoff

Donald Trump endorsed Ken Paxton over incumbent John Cornyn in the Texas Republican Senate runoff ahead of the May 26 vote. Cornyn said he would continue in the race, a response reported alongside the endorsement. Left-leaning outlets frame the endorsement chiefly as a setback for Cornyn and a possible risk to Republican prospects, often emphasizing Paxton’s record. Center outlets focus on the effect on the runoff, Republican divisions and potential general-election stakes. Right-leaning outlets generally present the endorsement as a boost for Paxton, though some weigh the consequences for Cornyn or Republican prospects.

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