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◆ Mixed look for CornynElections / Campaigns

Trump endorses Paxton in Texas Republican primary, boosting his challenge to incumbent Sen. Cornyn

Cornyn is defending his Senate seat against Paxton, who received Trump's endorsement.

Trump endorses Paxton in Texas Republican primary, boosting his challenge to incumbent Sen. Cornyn
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This article1 analysis · Oct 6, 2026

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May 19, 2026
tl;dr

President Donald Trump endorsed Ken Paxton in the Texas Republican Senate runoff, backing his challenge to incumbent John Cornyn. The endorsement adds a major national figure’s support to a race that has divided Republicans ahead of the May 26 runoff.

Community verdict

20 VOTES
How does this story look for
John Cornyn R · TX · SEN
● OPEN

People in this story

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John Cornyn
R · TX · SEN

Incumbent senator and Paxton's runoff opponent

PRIMARY SUBJECT
Ken Paxton
R · TX

Republican Senate candidate endorsed by Trump

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

President who endorsed Paxton in the Senate runoff

Trump's version of this story ↗

Democratic Senate candidate responding to the endorsement

Wesley Hunt
R · TX-38

Republican representative who finished third in the primary

Tim Scott
R · SC · SEN

South Carolina senator and Republican leader supporting Cornyn

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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