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Trump backs Paxton over Cornyn for Texas senator in shock endorsement

Trump’s endorsement gave Paxton a boost in his runoff against incumbent John Cornyn.

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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South China Morning Postoriginal publisher not identified
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

17 VOTES
How does this story look for
Ken Paxton R · TX
● OPEN

People in this story

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Ken Paxton
R · TX

Texas attorney general and Republican Senate candidate endorsed by Trump

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 ↗
John Cornyn
R · TX · SEN

Incumbent Texas senator seeking re-election in the Republican runoff

Cornyn'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

25 OUTLETS
Trump Endorses Ken Paxton in Texas Senate Runoff

Outlets agree that Donald Trump endorsed Ken Paxton over John Cornyn in the Texas Republican Senate runoff. Left-leaning outlets stress criticism of Paxton and the possibility that the endorsement could hurt Republicans in November. Center outlets emphasize concerns about Paxton’s general-election prospects while adding campaign context and reactions. Right-leaning outlets often welcome Trump’s intervention and mock Republican critics, though some question Paxton’s general-election strength or criticize the endorsement.

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