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Trump backs Paxton over Cornyn in Texas runoff

Trump endorsed Paxton over Cornyn, intervening in the Republican Senate runoff.

Trump backs Paxton over Cornyn in Texas runoff
Image · Roll Call

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Outlet credibilityRoll Call82/100 HIGH
This article1 analysis · Oct 6, 2026
Roll Call
May 19, 2026
tl;dr

Donald Trump endorsed Ken Paxton over Sen. John Cornyn in the Texas Republican Senate runoff, which will decide the party’s nominee to face Democrat James Talarico. The endorsement came one week before the runoff.

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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 in the Texas Republican Senate runoff

PRIMARY SUBJECT
John Cornyn
R · TX · SEN

Texas senator and Republican Senate candidate in the runoff

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

Texas attorney general and Republican Senate candidate

Paxton's version of this story ↗

Democratic Senate nominee who will face the Republican nominee

Bill Cassidy
R · LA · SEN

Louisiana senator mentioned as a defeated Republican primary candidate

Julia Letlow
R · LA-5

Louisiana representative and Trump-endorsed Republican primary candidate

Louisiana state treasurer and Republican Senate candidate

Part of a bigger story

84 OUTLETS
Trump Endorses Ken Paxton in Texas Senate Runoff

Outlets agree that President Donald Trump endorsed Ken Paxton over John Cornyn in the Texas Republican Senate runoff. Left-leaning outlets often stress that the endorsement could weaken Republicans in November and help Democrat James Talarico. Center outlets report the endorsement and reactions, including Republican concerns about its effects on the race and the party’s prospects. Right-leaning outlets often present Trump’s backing as a boost for Paxton and emphasize his rationale, though some also examine electoral risks or Republican dissent.

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