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◆ Mixed look for TrumpElections / Campaigns

Trump endorses Ken Paxton in Texas GOP primary, boosting his challenge to incumbent Sen. Cornyn

Trump’s endorsement is the central development in the runoff and part of his wider involvement in Republican primaries.

SOURCE CHECK

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Host credibilityThe News-GazetteNOT RATED
This article1 analysis · Oct 6, 2026

Credibility rates The News-Gazette, which republished this story. The other scores rate the article itself.

Republished with credit

Republished from Associated Press, with credit to the original publisher.

Associated Press96/100 HIGH

457 stories · 96–97 · updated Oct 7, 2026

This is Associated Press's own score, and this article is credited to Associated Press. The host score in the Source Check is The News-Gazette's.

The News-Gazettevia Associated Press
May 20, 2026
tl;dr

Donald Trump endorsed Ken Paxton in the Texas Republican Senate runoff against incumbent John Cornyn, giving Paxton a high-profile boost ahead of the May 26 vote. Cornyn and Paxton each responded to the endorsement, while party leaders and voters voiced differing views about the race.

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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 who endorsed Paxton in the Texas Republican Senate runoff

PRIMARY SUBJECT
John Cornyn
R · TX · SEN

Incumbent senator and Paxton’s opponent in the Republican runoff

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

Republican Senate candidate in the Texas runoff

Paxton's version of this story ↗

Democratic state representative and Senate candidate who will face the Republican nominee

Thomas Massie
R · KY-4

Republican U.S. representative from Kentucky who lost his primary to Trump-backed Ed Gallrein

Bill Cassidy
R · LA · SEN

Republican senator from Louisiana whose reelection bid ended after he finished third in the primary

Julia Letlow
R · LA-5

Republican U.S. representative and Trump-endorsed candidate for the Louisiana Senate nomination

Tim Scott
R · SC · SEN

Republican senator from South Carolina and chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee

Republican House candidate in Kentucky who defeated Thomas Massie in the primary

Republican Senate candidate and Louisiana state treasurer

Cynthia M. Lummis
R · WY · SEN

Republican senator from Wyoming commenting on the endorsement and Cornyn’s general-election prospects

Part of a bigger story

84 OUTLETS
Trump Endorses Ken Paxton in Texas Senate Runoff

Outlets agree that President Donald Trump endorsed Ken Paxton over John Cornyn in the Texas Republican Senate runoff. Left-leaning outlets often stress that the endorsement could weaken Republicans in November and help Democrat James Talarico. Center outlets report the endorsement and reactions, including Republican concerns about its effects on the race and the party’s prospects. Right-leaning outlets often present Trump’s backing as a boost for Paxton and emphasize his rationale, though some also examine electoral risks or Republican dissent.

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