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● InformationalElections / Campaigns

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

Trump endorsed Paxton over Cornyn in the Texas Republican Senate primary.

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

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TAP FOR WHY
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.

Community verdict

VOTING CLOSED
How does this story look for
Ken Paxton R · TX
NOT RATEDCLOSED

No good or bad look here

This story reports what happened without casting Paxton in a good or bad light, so readers don’t rate it and it doesn’t count toward Paxton’s record.

● INFORMATIONAL

People in this story

SWIPE →
Ken Paxton
R · TX

Senate candidate endorsed by Trump in the Texas Republican primary

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 ↗
John Cornyn
R · TX · SEN

Incumbent senator seeking the Republican nomination

Cornyn'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

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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