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Trump-backed AG wins Texas GOP Senate runoff and 'Summer House' drama unites fans: Morning Rundown

Trump backed Paxton shortly before the runoff and said Cornyn had not supported him when it mattered.

Trump-backed AG wins Texas GOP Senate runoff and 'Summer House' drama unites fans: Morning Rundown
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This article1 analysis · Oct 6, 2026
NBC News
May 27, 2026
tl;dr

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton defeated Sen. John Cornyn in the Republican Senate runoff and will face James Talarico in the general election. The result raises questions among Republicans about whether Paxton’s controversies could make the race competitive.

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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 and criticized Cornyn

PRIMARY SUBJECT
John Cornyn
R · TX · SEN

U.S. senator defeated in the Republican Senate runoff

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

Texas attorney general and Republican Senate candidate who won the runoff

Paxton's version of this story ↗

Democratic nominee who will face Paxton in the general election

Former president who sued the Justice Department over recordings and transcripts

Representative who won the Democratic primary runoff in Texas’ 18th District

Julie Johnson
D · TX-32

Representative defeated in a Democratic primary runoff

Al Green
D · TX-9

Representative defeated in the Democratic primary runoff in Texas’ 18th District

J.D. Vance
Vice President of the United States

Vice president interviewed about his faith, book, and political views

Democratic House candidate who won the primary in Texas’ 35th District

Colin Z. Allred
Former U.S. Representative (D-TX)

Former representative and House candidate who won a Democratic primary runoff

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Part of a bigger story

30 OUTLETS
Trump-Endorsed Ken Paxton Defeats John Cornyn in Texas Senate Runoff

Ken Paxton defeated John Cornyn in the Texas Republican Senate runoff after President Donald Trump endorsed Paxton. Left-leaning outlets frame the win as a possible liability for Republicans, emphasizing Paxton’s general-election risks and the potential cost to Trump’s influence. Center outlets focus on Trump’s role in the result and Cornyn’s efforts to win his support, with some weighing Paxton’s general-election prospects. Right-leaning outlets present Paxton’s win as a victory for Trump’s influence and, in some coverage, for Trump-aligned politics over party establishment figures.

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