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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 competing against Paxton for the Republican nomination and argues Paxton could put the seat at risk in November.

Trump endorses Paxton in Texas Republican primary, boosting his challenge to incumbent Sen. Cornyn
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Outlet credibilityKOAT 776/100 HIGH
This article1 analysis · Oct 6, 2026

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May 19, 2026
tl;dr

President Donald Trump endorsed Ken Paxton in Texas’s Republican Senate runoff against incumbent John Cornyn, giving Paxton a boost in a costly contest ahead of the May 26 vote. Cornyn has argued Paxton could jeopardize the seat in November, while Democrat James Talarico criticized the political system behind the race.

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20 VOTES
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John Cornyn R · TX · SEN
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John Cornyn
R · TX · SEN

Incumbent senator facing Paxton in the Republican runoff

PRIMARY SUBJECT
Donald Trump
R · President of the United States

President who endorsed Paxton in the Republican runoff

Trump's version of this story ↗
Ken Paxton
R · TX

Republican Senate candidate endorsed by Trump

Paxton's version of this story ↗

Democratic Senate candidate who criticized the political system behind the race

Wesley Hunt
R · TX-38

Republican representative and former Senate primary candidate

Tim Scott
R · SC · SEN

South Carolina senator and National Republican Senatorial Committee chairman 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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