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● InformationalElections / Campaigns

Trump gives Ken Paxton last-minute endorsement in Texas' U.S. Senate race

Cornyn had pursued Trump’s backing for months, but Trump endorsed his runoff opponent instead.

Trump gives Ken Paxton last-minute endorsement in Texas' U.S. Senate race
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This article1 analysis · Oct 6, 2026
tl;dr

Donald Trump endorsed Ken Paxton in Texas’ May 26 Republican Senate runoff, after incumbent John Cornyn spent months seeking Trump’s backing. Polling cited in the article showed Paxton and Cornyn tied in the runoff and Paxton tied with Democrat James Talarico in a general-election matchup.

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

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John Cornyn
R · TX · SEN

Incumbent senator and Paxton’s opponent in the Republican runoff

PRIMARY SUBJECT
Ken Paxton
R · TX

Republican Senate candidate receiving Trump’s endorsement

Paxton's version of this story ↗
Donald Trump
R · President of the United States

President endorsing Paxton in the Republican Senate runoff

Trump's version of this story ↗

Democratic Senate candidate and potential general-election opponent

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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