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Texas Senate race shifts after Paxton defeats Cornyn

Paxton defeated John Cornyn in the Republican Senate runoff, changing the outlook for the general-election race.

Texas Senate race shifts after Paxton defeats Cornyn
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This article1 analysis · Oct 6, 2026
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May 27, 2026
tl;dr

Ken Paxton defeated John Cornyn in the Texas Republican Senate runoff, shifting the general-election race. The Cook Political Report downgraded the race to “lean Republican,” citing factors it said could deter moderate Republicans and independents.

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Ken Paxton R · TX
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No good or bad look here

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

● INFORMATIONAL

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Ken Paxton
R · TX

Republican Senate candidate who won the Texas runoff

PRIMARY SUBJECT
John Cornyn
R · TX · SEN

Senator defeated in the Republican Senate runoff

Cornyn's version of this story ↗

Democratic Senate nominee

Donald Trump
R · President of the United States

President whose endorsement is cited as influential in the Republican Party

Part of a bigger story

55 OUTLETS
Ken Paxton Defeats John Cornyn in Texas Senate Runoff

Ken Paxton defeated John Cornyn in the Texas Republican Senate runoff, winning the party’s Senate nomination. Left-leaning outlets emphasize the nomination’s potential costs for Republicans and Paxton’s vulnerabilities. Center outlets focus on how the result changes the general-election outlook and could affect Senate control. Right-leaning outlets highlight Trump’s influence and Republican leaders’ support for Paxton, while some assess whether the seat is now more competitive.

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