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● InformationalElections / Campaigns

Trump backs Ken Paxton in crucial Texas Republican Senate run-off

Cornyn disputed Trump’s criticism and is competing with Paxton for the Republican Senate nomination.

Trump backs Ken Paxton in crucial Texas Republican Senate run-off
Image · Al Jazeera

SOURCE CHECK

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Outlet credibilityAl Jazeera80/100 HIGH
This article1 analysis · Oct 6, 2026
May 19, 2026
tl;dr

Donald Trump endorsed Ken Paxton over incumbent John Cornyn in the Texas Republican Senate runoff, drawing a public response from Cornyn and support from Paxton. The article reports that polling also suggests a close general-election contest involving Democrat James Talarico.

Community verdict

VOTING CLOSED
How does this story look for
John Cornyn R · TX · SEN
NOT RATEDCLOSED

No good or bad look here

This story reports what happened without casting Cornyn in a good or bad light, so readers don’t rate it and it doesn’t count toward Cornyn’s record.

● INFORMATIONAL

People in this story

SWIPE →
John Cornyn
R · TX · SEN

Incumbent Republican senator and opponent in the runoff

PRIMARY SUBJECT
Donald Trump
R · President of the United States

President who endorsed Paxton in the Republican Senate runoff

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

Republican Senate candidate who received Trump’s endorsement

Paxton's version of this story ↗

Democratic Senate candidate and potential general-election opponent

Susan M. Collins
R · ME · SEN

Senator who criticized Paxton

Bernie Sanders
I · VT · SEN

Senator mentioned in a count of Senate caucus membership

John Thune
R · SD · SEN

Senate majority leader who had lobbied Trump to endorse Cornyn

Angus S. King, Jr.
I · ME · SEN

Senator mentioned in a count of Senate caucus membership

ALSO MENTIONED  Matt Shaheen, Texas state representative who criticized Paxton’s candidacy

Part of a bigger story

96 OUTLETS
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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