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Trump will regret endorsing Ken Paxton in the Texas Senate primary

The column argues that Trump's endorsement of Paxton may weaken his standing with Senate Republicans.

Trump will regret endorsing Ken Paxton in the Texas Senate primary
Image · Salon

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Outlet credibilitySalon55/100 MEDIUM
This article1 analysis · Oct 6, 2026
Salon
May 27, 2026
tl;dr

Amanda Marcotte argues that Donald Trump’s endorsement of Ken Paxton in the Texas Republican Senate primary could alienate Senate Republicans and weaken Trump’s influence. She says James Talarico may have a better chance against Paxton in November than against John Cornyn, while cautioning that Texas remains difficult for Democrats.

Community verdict

21 VOTES
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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 whose endorsement of Paxton is the column's central focus

PRIMARY SUBJECT
John Cornyn
R · TX · SEN

Texas senator defeated by Paxton in the Republican primary

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

Republican Senate candidate whose primary victory followed Trump's endorsement

Paxton's version of this story ↗

Democratic Senate candidate discussed as Paxton's prospective general-election opponent

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

South Carolina senator cited as publicly criticizing Trump over Iran

Mitch McConnell
R · KY · SEN

Former Senate majority leader described as retiring and having had conflicts with Trump

Former president mentioned in a reference to the 2020 election

Thomas Massie
R · KY-4

Kentucky representative mentioned for a past remark about Republican primary voters

John Thune
R · SD · SEN

Senate majority leader quoted expressing frustration with the president's actions

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
R · Secretary of Health and Human Services

Health and Human Services secretary mentioned in connection with Cassidy's confirmation vote

Thom Tillis
R · NC · SEN

North Carolina senator described as retiring after clashes with Trump

Bill Cassidy
R · LA · SEN

Louisiana senator mentioned in connection with his primary loss and earlier impeachment vote

Ted Cruz
R · TX · SEN

Texas senator cited as publicly criticizing Trump over Iran

House candidate mentioned as the Trump-backed candidate who defeated Massie

Beto O'Rourke
Former U.S. Representative (D-TX)

Former Democratic representative cited as a past Texas Senate candidate

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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