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Trump-endorsed Paxton topples Cornyn in Texas

Cornyn lost the nomination runoff after receiving backing from Republican leadership.

Trump-endorsed Paxton topples Cornyn in Texas
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This article1 analysis · Oct 6, 2026

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May 26, 2026
tl;dr

Ken Paxton won the Republican Senate nomination runoff in Texas, defeating four-term Sen. John Cornyn after receiving President Donald Trump’s endorsement. The result sets up a race against Democrat James Talarico that could affect control of the Senate.

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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

Incumbent senator who lost the Republican Senate nomination runoff

PRIMARY SUBJECT
Ken Paxton
R · TX

Republican Senate candidate who won the Texas nomination runoff

Paxton's version of this story ↗

Democratic state representative and Senate candidate who will face Paxton

Donald Trump
R · President of the United States

President who endorsed Paxton

Thomas Massie
R · KY-4

Kentucky representative mentioned as a Republican incumbent ousted by a Trump-endorsed primary challenger

Bill Cassidy
R · LA · SEN

Louisiana senator mentioned as a Republican incumbent ousted by a Trump-endorsed primary challenger

Part of a bigger story

77 OUTLETS
Ken Paxton Wins Texas Republican Senate Runoff Over John Cornyn

Ken Paxton defeated incumbent John Cornyn in the Texas Republican Senate runoff, securing the GOP nomination after President Donald Trump endorsed him. Paxton is set to face Democrat James Talarico in November. Left-leaning outlets frame the result as part of a shift toward Trump-aligned conservatives, with some highlighting Paxton’s controversies; center outlets emphasize the outcome, Trump’s influence and the November race; right-leaning outlets often cast it as a victory for the MAGA base over the GOP establishment.

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