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Trump will regret endorsing Ken Paxton in the Texas Senate primary

Paxton defeated John Cornyn in the Republican primary, and the column considers the effect of Trump's endorsement on the general election.

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

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

Republican Senate candidate whose primary victory followed Trump's endorsement

PRIMARY SUBJECT
Donald Trump
R · President of the United States

President whose endorsement of Paxton is the column's central focus

Trump's version of this story ↗
John Cornyn
R · TX · SEN

Texas senator defeated by Paxton in the Republican primary

Cornyn'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

28 OUTLETS
Ken Paxton Defeats John Cornyn in Texas Senate Republican Primary Runoff

Outlets agree that Ken Paxton defeated John Cornyn in the Texas Republican Senate primary runoff after Donald Trump endorsed Paxton. Paxton is set to face Democrat James Talarico in November. Left-leaning outlets emphasize Paxton’s controversies and argue his nomination could create risks for Republicans or benefit Democrats, with some also focusing on the removal of earlier attacks on him. Center outlets mostly report the result and examine Trump’s influence, party divisions, and the competitiveness of the general-election race. Right-leaning outlets foreground Trump’s role and portray the result as a setback for party-establishment figures, while also reporting Republican efforts to unite behind Paxton against Talarico.

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