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◆ Mixed look for TrumpElections / Campaigns

Senate Republicans seethe over Trump's snub of John Cornyn in Texas

Trump’s choice to back Paxton rather than Cornyn prompted frustration among Senate Republicans and drew political reactions from Democrats.

Senate Republicans seethe over Trump's snub of John Cornyn in Texas
Image · Yahoo News

SOURCE CHECK

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Host credibilityYahoo News76/100 HIGH
This article1 analysis · Oct 6, 2026

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

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Republished from USA Today, with credit to the original publisher.

USA Today81/100 HIGH

13 stories · 79–84 · updated Oct 5, 2026

This is USA Today's own score, and this article is credited to USA Today. The host score in the Source Check is Yahoo News's.

Yahoo Newsvia USA Today
May 20, 2026
tl;dr

President Donald Trump backed Ken Paxton over Sen. John Cornyn in Texas’ Republican Senate runoff, disappointing several Senate Republicans who had supported Cornyn. The endorsement has sharpened attention on the competitive race.

Community verdict

23 VOTES
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Donald Trump R · President of the United States
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People in this story

SWIPE →
Donald Trump
R · President of the United States

President who backed Ken Paxton over John Cornyn in the Texas Republican Senate runoff

PRIMARY SUBJECT
John Cornyn
R · TX · SEN

Texas senator seeking reelection who did not receive Trump’s endorsement

Cornyn's version of this story ↗

Democratic Texas Senate candidate identified as Paxton’s potential opponent

Lindsey Graham
Former U.S. Senator (R-SC)

South Carolina senator who said Paxton could win but the race would cost more

John Thune
R · SD · SEN

Senate majority leader who said he would continue supporting Cornyn

Lisa Murkowski
R · AK · SEN

Alaska senator who said Trump’s decision put the Texas Senate seat in jeopardy

Mike Rounds
R · SD · SEN

South Dakota senator who said Senate Republicans were disappointed by Trump’s decision

Chuck Schumer
D · NY · SEN

Senate minority leader who said Democrats were in a better position to win Texas

Ken Paxton
R · TX

Texas attorney general and Cornyn’s opponent in the Republican Senate runoff, whom Trump endorsed

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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