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◆ Mixed look for CornynVoting RightsElections / Campaigns

Trump endorses Ken Paxton in Senate GOP runoff

Trump’s endorsement of Paxton dealt a setback to Cornyn and the allies who had pressed the White House to support him.

Trump endorses Ken Paxton in Senate GOP runoff
Image · KVIA

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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 in Texas’s Republican Senate runoff against John Cornyn, a week before the election. The endorsement came after months of uncertainty and amid a costly, closely contested race.

Community verdict

24 VOTES
How does this story look for
John Cornyn R · TX · SEN
● OPEN

People in this story

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John Cornyn
R · TX · SEN

Republican senator and Paxton’s opponent in the Texas runoff

PRIMARY SUBJECT
Donald Trump
R · President of the United States

President who endorsed Paxton in the Senate runoff

Trump'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 in Texas

Former president referred to in Trump’s criticism of his administration

Thomas Massie
R · KY-4

Republican representative mentioned as another target of Trump’s efforts against incumbents

John Thune
R · SD · SEN

Senate majority leader who urged the White House to endorse Cornyn

Bill Cassidy
R · LA · SEN

Republican senator mentioned in connection with Trump’s effort against him

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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