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◆ Mixed look for PaxtonElections / Campaigns

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

Paxton received Trump’s endorsement in the Republican Senate runoff and said he would champion the president’s agenda.

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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Ken Paxton R · TX
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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 in the Republican Senate runoff

Trump's version of this story ↗
John Cornyn
R · TX · SEN

Incumbent senator and Republican Senate candidate opposing Paxton in the runoff

Cornyn'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

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.

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