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● InformationalElections / Campaigns

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

Cornyn is competing against Paxton in the runoff after leading him in the first round.

Trump picks Paxton over Cornyn in Texas' GOP Senate primary runoff as early voting is underway
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Outlet credibilityKERA80/100 HIGH
This article1 analysis · Oct 6, 2026

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May 19, 2026
tl;dr

President Donald Trump endorsed Ken Paxton over Sen. John Cornyn in the Texas Republican Senate runoff, with early voting underway. A poll cited in the article suggested the endorsement could affect the close contest.

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

SWIPE →
John Cornyn
R · TX · SEN

Incumbent senator and Republican Senate candidate in the runoff

PRIMARY SUBJECT
Ken Paxton
R · TX

Texas attorney general and 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 Texas Republican Senate runoff

Trump's version of this story ↗

Democratic Senate nominee mentioned as a prospective general-election opponent

Wesley Hunt
R · TX-38

U.S. representative whose campaign was described as a spoiler in the first round

ALSO MENTIONED  Angela Paxton, Texas state senator, mentioned in campaign ads as Paxton's wife amid their divorce

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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