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◆ Mixed look for CornynElections / Campaigns

Trump flexes endorsement power for Ken Paxton after ousting Cassidy

Cornyn responded to Trump’s endorsement of Paxton by touting his record with Trump and urging voters to choose him in the runoff.

Trump flexes endorsement power for Ken Paxton after ousting Cassidy
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This article1 analysis · Oct 6, 2026
CNBC
May 19, 2026
tl;dr

Donald Trump endorsed Ken Paxton in Texas’s Republican Senate runoff against John Cornyn, giving Paxton a boost and sharpening debate over the general-election prospects of the eventual nominee. The runoff is scheduled for May 26, with the winner set to face Democrat James Talarico.

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

Texas senator and Republican Senate candidate facing Paxton in the runoff

PRIMARY SUBJECT
Ken Paxton
R · TX

Texas attorney general and Republican Senate candidate endorsed by Trump

Paxton's version of this story ↗
Donald Trump
R · President of the United States

President who endorsed Paxton in the Texas Republican Senate runoff

Trump's version of this story ↗

Democratic nominee for the Texas Senate seat

Lindsey Graham
Former U.S. Senator (R-SC)

South Carolina senator commenting on the effect of Trump’s endorsement

Thomas Massie
R · KY-4

Kentucky representative facing Republican challenger Ed Gallrein

Lisa Murkowski
R · AK · SEN

Alaska senator criticizing Trump’s choice to endorse Paxton over Cornyn

Bill Cassidy
R · LA · SEN

Louisiana senator mentioned in connection with an earlier Republican primary

J.D. Vance
Vice President of the United States

Vice President commenting on the endorsement at a White House briefing

Republican candidate challenging Thomas Massie in Kentucky

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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