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◆ Mixed look for CornynElections / Campaigns

Trump makes endorsement in heated GOP Senate primary between Cornyn and Paxton

Cornyn lost Trump’s endorsement to Paxton and said Texas Republican voters would decide the runoff.

Trump makes endorsement in heated GOP Senate primary between Cornyn and Paxton
Image · New York Post

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Outlet credibilityNew York Post65/100 MEDIUM
This article1 analysis · Oct 6, 2026
May 19, 2026
tl;dr

President Trump endorsed Ken Paxton over Sen. John Cornyn in the Texas Republican Senate primary, shifting support in a closely watched contest. Cornyn said he would continue through the runoff, while several Republicans warned Paxton could make the general election more difficult.

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John Cornyn R · TX · SEN
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People in this story

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John Cornyn
R · TX · SEN

Incumbent senator seeking the Republican nomination

PRIMARY SUBJECT
Donald Trump
R · President of the United States

President who endorsed Paxton in the Texas Republican Senate primary

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

Senate candidate endorsed by Trump in the Texas Republican primary

Paxton's version of this story ↗

Democratic candidate expected to face the Republican nominee in the general election

Lindsey Graham
Former U.S. Senator (R-SC)

South Carolina senator who commented on the cost of a Paxton general-election campaign

Susan M. Collins
R · ME · SEN

Maine senator who criticized Paxton’s ethics

John Thune
R · SD · SEN

Senate Majority Leader who backed Cornyn

Lisa Murkowski
R · AK · SEN

Alaska senator who warned that the endorsement could put the seat at risk

Ted Cruz
R · TX · SEN

Texas senator who remained neutral in the Senate race

ALSO MENTIONED  Chris LaCivita, Trump’s 2024 co-campaign manager who backed Cornyn; Greg Abbott, Texas governor who remained neutral in the Senate race

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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