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◆ Mixed look for CornynElections / Campaigns

Trump Rejects Incumbent John Cornyn, Endorses Ken Paxton In Texas Senate Runoff

Cornyn is seeking reelection and responded to Trump’s endorsement of Ken Paxton.

Trump Rejects Incumbent John Cornyn, Endorses Ken Paxton In Texas Senate Runoff
Image · Forbes

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Outlet credibilityForbes77/100 HIGH
This article1 analysis · Oct 6, 2026
Forbes
May 19, 2026
tl;dr

Donald Trump endorsed Ken Paxton over incumbent Sen. John Cornyn in Texas’s Republican Senate runoff, criticizing Cornyn’s past support for him. Cornyn and Democrat James Talarico responded to the endorsement, with the runoff scheduled for May 26.

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

Texas senator seeking reelection and Republican runoff candidate

PRIMARY SUBJECT
Donald Trump
R · President of the United States

President who endorsed Paxton and opposed Cornyn’s reelection

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

Texas attorney general and Republican Senate candidate endorsed by Trump

Paxton's version of this story ↗

Democratic Senate nominee from Texas

Texas representative defeated by Talarico in the Democratic primary

John Thune
R · SD · SEN

Senate majority leader who urged Trump to endorse Cornyn

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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