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◆ Mixed look for CornynElections / Campaigns

Trump backs hardliner Ken Paxton in critical Texas US Senate race runoff

Cornyn is Paxton’s opponent in the runoff and warns that Paxton could endanger the Republican Senate seat.

Trump backs hardliner Ken Paxton in critical Texas US Senate race runoff
Image · Hawaii Tribune-Herald

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This article1 analysis · Oct 6, 2026
tl;dr

Donald Trump endorsed Ken Paxton in the Texas Republican Senate runoff against John Cornyn, a week before voters choose the party’s nominee. The winner will face Democrat James Talarico in November.

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

Republican senator seeking renomination

PRIMARY SUBJECT
Donald Trump
R · President of the United States

President who endorsed Paxton in the runoff

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

Republican Senate candidate in the Texas runoff

Paxton's version of this story ↗

Democratic state representative and prospective general-election opponent

U.S. representative who lost the Democratic primary to Talarico

Bill Cassidy
R · LA · SEN

U.S. senator mentioned in connection with Trump’s political influence

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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