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◆ Mixed look for CornynVoting RightsElections / Campaigns

Trump endorses Ken Paxton in Texas Senate GOP primary runoff election

Cornyn responded to Trump's endorsement of Paxton by urging Texas Republicans to choose a nominee who can win in November.

Trump endorses Ken Paxton in Texas Senate GOP primary runoff election
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This article1 analysis · Oct 6, 2026
Fox News
May 19, 2026
tl;dr

Donald Trump endorsed Ken Paxton in the Texas Republican Senate runoff against John Cornyn, a week before the May 26 vote. The race could affect Republicans’ Senate majority, and the nominee will face Democrat James Talarico in November.

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John Cornyn R · TX · SEN
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People in this story

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John Cornyn
R · TX · SEN

Incumbent senator and Paxton's opponent in the Republican runoff

PRIMARY SUBJECT
Ken Paxton
R · TX

Republican Senate candidate endorsed by Trump in the Texas runoff

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

President who endorsed Paxton in the Republican runoff

Trump's version of this story ↗

Democratic Senate candidate who would face the Republican nominee

Representative and former Democratic Senate primary candidate

Mitch McConnell
R · KY · SEN

Senator referenced by a Paxton supporter as a foil in the race

Former president whose administration Paxton says he sued

John Thune
R · SD · SEN

Senate majority leader who lobbied Trump to endorse Cornyn

Wesley Hunt
R · TX-38

Representative and third-place finisher in the Republican primary

ALSO MENTIONED  Barack Obama, Former president whose administration Paxton sued

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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