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Trump endorses Ken Paxton over incumbent John Cornyn in Texas Senate primary runoff

Trump’s endorsement of Paxton over Cornyn is the central development in the Texas runoff.

Trump endorses Ken Paxton over incumbent John Cornyn in Texas Senate primary runoff
Image · Kunc

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This article1 analysis · Oct 6, 2026

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Republished from NPR, with credit to the original publisher.

NPR89/100 HIGH

75 stories · 89–90 · updated Oct 7, 2026

This is NPR's own score, and this article is credited to NPR. The host score in the Source Check is Kunc's.

Kuncvia NPR
May 19, 2026
tl;dr

President Donald Trump endorsed Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton over Sen. John Cornyn in the Republican Senate primary runoff, which was nearing its end. The endorsement came amid a costly contest that Democrats view as a possible opportunity in November.

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23 VOTES
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Donald Trump R · President of the United States
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People in this story

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Donald Trump
R · President of the United States

President who endorsed Paxton in the Texas Republican Senate runoff

PRIMARY SUBJECT
John Cornyn
R · TX · SEN

Incumbent senator and Republican candidate in the Texas runoff

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

Republican Senate candidate endorsed by Trump in the Texas runoff

Paxton's version of this story ↗

Democratic Senate nominee and critic of the political system

Representative who sought the Democratic Senate nomination

Thomas Massie
R · KY-4

Representative facing a Republican primary challenge in Kentucky

Tony Gonzales
Former U.S. Representative (R-TX)
Bill Cassidy
R · LA · SEN

Incumbent senator defeated in Louisiana’s Senate primary

Julia Letlow
R · LA-5

Representative who advanced to a Louisiana Senate runoff with Trump’s backing

Republican House candidate challenging Thomas Massie

Louisiana state treasurer who advanced to a Senate runoff

Part of a bigger story

84 OUTLETS
Trump Endorses Ken Paxton in Texas Senate Runoff

Outlets agree that President Donald Trump endorsed Ken Paxton over John Cornyn in the Texas Republican Senate runoff. Left-leaning outlets often stress that the endorsement could weaken Republicans in November and help Democrat James Talarico. Center outlets report the endorsement and reactions, including Republican concerns about its effects on the race and the party’s prospects. Right-leaning outlets often present Trump’s backing as a boost for Paxton and emphasize his rationale, though some also examine electoral risks or Republican dissent.

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