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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 seeking the Republican nomination against Paxton and argues Paxton could cost Republicans the Senate seat.

Trump endorses Paxton in Texas Republican primary, boosting his challenge to incumbent Sen. Cornyn
Image · Los Angeles Times

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Outlet credibilityLos Angeles Times85/100 HIGH
This article1 analysis · Oct 6, 2026

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Los Angeles Timesoriginal publisher not identified
May 19, 2026
tl;dr

President Donald Trump endorsed Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in his Republican Senate runoff against incumbent John Cornyn, a move that could affect a closely watched contest and how Republicans allocate campaign resources.

Community verdict

20 VOTES
How does this story look for
John Cornyn R · TX · SEN
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People in this story

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John Cornyn
R · TX · SEN

Incumbent senator and Republican Senate candidate

PRIMARY SUBJECT
Ken Paxton
R · TX

Texas attorney general and Republican Senate candidate

Paxton's version of this story ↗
Donald Trump
R · President of the United States

President and endorser of Paxton in the Republican runoff

Trump's version of this story ↗

Democratic Texas Senate candidate

Wesley Hunt
R · TX-38

Texas representative who finished third in the Republican primary

Tim Scott
R · SC · SEN

South Carolina senator and chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee

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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