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◆ Mixed look for PaxtonElections / Campaigns

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

Paxton received Trump’s endorsement in his runoff challenge to Sen. John Cornyn and welcomed it publicly.

Trump picks Paxton over Cornyn in Texas' GOP Senate primary runoff as early voting is underway
Image · KUT Radio, Austin's NPR Station

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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 over Sen. John Cornyn in Texas’ Republican Senate primary runoff, with early voting underway. The endorsement could affect a close race, though the article reports that the Republican candidates’ conflict may continue into the general election.

Community verdict

15 VOTES
How does this story look for
Ken Paxton R · TX
● OPEN

People in this story

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Ken Paxton
R · TX

Texas attorney general and Republican Senate candidate endorsed by Trump

PRIMARY SUBJECT
John Cornyn
R · TX · SEN

Incumbent senator and Republican Senate candidate in the runoff

Cornyn'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 who will face the Republican runoff winner in November

Wesley Hunt
R · TX-38

U.S. representative who placed third in the first round of the Republican primary

ALSO MENTIONED  Angela Paxton, Texas state senator and Ken Paxton’s estranged spouse

Part of a bigger story

93 OUTLETS
Trump Endorses Ken Paxton in Texas Republican Senate Runoff

Outlets agree President Donald Trump endorsed Ken Paxton over incumbent John Cornyn in the Texas Republican Senate runoff. Left-leaning outlets portray the endorsement as a setback for Cornyn and Republicans, stressing Paxton’s baggage and the possibility of helping Democrats. Center outlets focus on Republican concerns about the seat and Senate majority, and on what the endorsement signals about Trump’s influence and the party’s direction. Right-leaning outlets center Trump’s backing for Paxton, with some presenting it as a major boost and others noting its potential electoral consequences.

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