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◆ Mixed look for CornynElections / Campaigns

Trump picks Paxton over Cornyn in Texas' GOP Senate primary runoff as early voting is underway

Cornyn is competing against Paxton for the Republican Senate nomination and argued that the party needs a strong nominee.

Trump picks Paxton over Cornyn in Texas' GOP Senate primary runoff as early voting is underway
Image · Houston Public Media

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Outlet credibilityHouston Public Media79/100 HIGH
This article1 analysis · Oct 6, 2026
tl;dr

Donald Trump endorsed Ken Paxton over incumbent John Cornyn in Texas’ closely contested Republican Senate runoff, with early voting already underway. The article says the endorsement could affect the race and deepen divisions Republicans will face in the general election.

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

Incumbent senator and Republican Senate candidate opposing Paxton in the runoff

PRIMARY SUBJECT
Donald Trump
R · President of the United States

President who endorsed Paxton in the Republican Senate runoff

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 candidate and potential general-election opponent

Wesley Hunt
R · TX-38

U.S. representative who placed third in the first round and endorsed Paxton

ALSO MENTIONED  Angela Paxton, Texas state senator and John Cornyn campaign-ad subject; Bill Miller, Austin-based political consultant quoted about the runoff; Mark Jones, Political science fellow quoted about the effect of Trump’s endorsement

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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