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Trump backs Paxton over Cornyn for Texas senator in shock endorsement

Cornyn said he would continue his campaign after Trump endorsed Paxton.

Trump backs Paxton over Cornyn for Texas senator in shock endorsement
Image · South China Morning Post

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This article1 analysis · Oct 6, 2026

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May 19, 2026
tl;dr

Donald Trump endorsed Ken Paxton over incumbent John Cornyn in Texas’s Republican Senate runoff, drawing criticism from some Republicans and reshaping the contest before the May 26 vote. The endorsement also prompted discussion of Democrats’ chances in the state.

Community verdict

24 VOTES
How does this story look for
John Cornyn R · TX · SEN
● OPEN

People in this story

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John Cornyn
R · TX · SEN

Incumbent Texas senator seeking re-election in the Republican runoff

PRIMARY SUBJECT
Donald Trump
R · President of the United States

President who endorsed Paxton in the Texas Republican Senate runoff

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

Texas attorney general and Republican Senate candidate endorsed by Trump

Paxton's version of this story ↗

Democratic nominee for the Texas Senate seat

Texas congresswoman who lost the Democratic Senate primary to Talarico

Susan M. Collins
R · ME · SEN

Senator who criticized Trump’s endorsement of Paxton

Former president whose administration’s policies Paxton challenged in court

Thomas Massie
R · KY-4

Kentucky congressman Trump is urging voters to unseat

John Thune
R · SD · SEN

Senate majority leader and Cornyn ally

Lisa Murkowski
R · AK · SEN

Senator who criticized Trump’s endorsement

Bill Cassidy
R · LA · SEN

Louisiana senator whose primary loss is cited as an example of Trump’s influence

Wesley Hunt
R · TX-38

Texas congressman and third-place Republican primary finisher

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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