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◆ Mixed look for CornynElections / Campaigns

Trump backs Paxton over Cornyn in Texas runoff

Cornyn is seeking the Republican nomination after Trump endorsed his runoff opponent.

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

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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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John Cornyn R · TX · SEN
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People in this story

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John Cornyn
R · TX · SEN

Texas senator and Republican Senate candidate in the runoff

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 who endorsed Paxton in the Texas Republican Senate runoff

Trump'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

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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