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● InformationalElections / Campaigns

Ken Paxton for the Win? Senate Republicans Openly Seething After Trump Snubbed 20-Year Veteran John Cornyn in Texas

Cornyn's colleagues voiced support for him after Trump endorsed his runoff challenger.

Ken Paxton for the Win? Senate Republicans Openly Seething After Trump Snubbed 20-Year Veteran John Cornyn in Texas
Image · International Business Times UK

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Outlet credibilityInternational Business Times UK58/100 MEDIUM
This article1 analysis · Oct 6, 2026
tl;dr

Donald Trump endorsed Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton over Sen. John Cornyn in the May 26 Republican runoff, prompting Senate Republicans to warn that the choice could put the seat at risk. Democrats said Paxton would be a more favorable opponent.

Community verdict

VOTING CLOSED
How does this story look for
John Cornyn R · TX · SEN
NOT RATEDCLOSED

No good or bad look here

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

● INFORMATIONAL

People in this story

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John Cornyn
R · TX · SEN

Texas senator and candidate in the Republican Senate runoff

PRIMARY SUBJECT
Ken Paxton
R · TX

Texas attorney general and Republican Senate candidate

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

President who endorsed Paxton in the Texas Republican Senate runoff

Trump's version of this story ↗

Democratic Senate candidate identified as his party's preferred standard-bearer

Lindsey Graham
Former U.S. Senator (R-SC)

South Carolina senator who said Paxton could win but would require more resources to support

John Thune
R · SD · SEN

Senate majority leader who reiterated his support for Cornyn

Lisa Murkowski
R · AK · SEN

Alaska senator who warned Trump's endorsement put the seat in jeopardy

Mike Rounds
R · SD · SEN

South Dakota senator who expressed disappointment that Cornyn was passed over

Chuck Schumer
D · NY · SEN

Senate minority leader who said Democrats had a better chance to win Texas

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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