Skip to main content
2 min read
● InformationalElections / Campaigns

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

Paxton received Trump’s endorsement in the Texas Republican Senate runoff.

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

SOURCE CHECK

TAP FOR WHY
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.

Community verdict

VOTING CLOSED
How does this story look for
Ken Paxton R · TX
NOT RATEDCLOSED

No good or bad look here

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

● INFORMATIONAL

People in this story

SWIPE →
Ken Paxton
R · TX

Texas attorney general and Republican Senate candidate endorsed by Trump

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 ↗
John Cornyn
R · TX · SEN

Texas senator seeking reelection and Republican runoff candidate

Cornyn'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

93 OUTLETS
Trump Endorses Ken Paxton in Texas Republican Senate Runoff

Outlets agree President Donald Trump endorsed Ken Paxton over incumbent John Cornyn in the Texas Republican Senate runoff. Left-leaning outlets portray the endorsement as a setback for Cornyn and Republicans, stressing Paxton’s baggage and the possibility of helping Democrats. Center outlets focus on Republican concerns about the seat and Senate majority, and on what the endorsement signals about Trump’s influence and the party’s direction. Right-leaning outlets center Trump’s backing for Paxton, with some presenting it as a major boost and others noting its potential electoral consequences.

Discussion · 0

What's your take?

Loading comments…