Ken Paxton Wins Texas Senate Runoff with Trump's Endorsement

Ken Paxton Wins Texas Senate Runoff with Trump's Endorsement

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton defeated incumbent Senator John Cornyn in the Republican Senate runoff, securing the party's nomination for the upcoming general election. Senator Cornyn acknowledged early on that President Donald Trump was unlikely to endorse him, a prediction confirmed when Trump officially endorsed Paxton. The endorsement intensified the contest, with both candidates launching extensive advertising campaigns as the runoff approached.

The primary race exposed significant ideological divisions within the Texas GOP, with observers noting the potential for Democratic gains amid the Republican infighting. Ultimately, Paxton's victory underscored Trump's continuing influence in Texas Republican politics and set the stage for a competitive November election against Democratic nominee James Talarico.

Actors

John Cornyn Donald Trump

Locations

Texas

Articles

May 27, 2026
3 total
Texas Primary Runoffs Set Stage for Competitive November Elections
Texas Primary Runoffs Set Stage for Competitive November Elections

NPR • 27 May 09:00

The Texas primary runoff results reveal crucial matchups for the upcoming general elections, highlighting shifts in voter preferences and the prevailing influence of Donald Trump within the Republican Party.

Credibility 88% Manip. 18% Center
Paxton Defeats Cornyn in Texas Senate Runoff, Trump Influence Prevails
Paxton Defeats Cornyn in Texas Senate Runoff, Trump Influence Prevails

The New York Times • 27 May 03:10

In a significant political upset, Ken Paxton has defeated incumbent Senator John Cornyn in a Texas primary runoff, highlighting former President Trump's continued influence within the Republican Party.

Credibility 85% Manip. 25% Center
Ken Paxton Wins Texas Republican Senate Primary, Defeating John Cornyn
Ken Paxton Wins Texas Republican Senate Primary, Defeating John Cornyn

NPR • 27 May 01:03

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has secured the Republican nomination for the U.S. Senate, defeating incumbent Senator John Cornyn following a tumultuous primary race that saw over $100 million in spending.

Credibility 85% Manip. 25% Center
May 26, 2026
5 total
Ken Paxton Defeats John Cornyn in Texas Senate Runoff
Ken Paxton Defeats John Cornyn in Texas Senate Runoff

FOX 7 Austin • 26 May 23:09

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has emerged victorious in the runoff election against incumbent Senator John Cornyn, positioning him for a general election against Democratic nominee James Talarico.

Credibility 80% Manip. 20% Center
Key Texas Primary Runoff Features High-Stakes Senate Contest
Key Texas Primary Runoff Features High-Stakes Senate Contest

The New York Times • 26 May 19:12

In a significant primary runoff in Texas, incumbent Republican Senator John Cornyn faces off against state Attorney General Ken Paxton, who has received President Trump's endorsement. The winner will contend against Democratic nominee James Talarico, signaling potential implications for the November elections.

Credibility 90% Manip. 20% Center
Texas Senate Primary Highlights GOP Infighting and Risk of Democratic Gains
Texas Senate Primary Highlights GOP Infighting and Risk of Democratic Gains

The Guardian • 26 May 16:31

The Texas Republican primary pits incumbent John Cornyn against Attorney General Ken Paxton in a high-stakes battle, with Democratic candidate James Talarico potentially set to capitalize on the discord and scandals within the GOP.

Credibility 85% Manip. 35% Left
Texas Republicans Prepare for High-Stakes Primary Runoff Elections
Texas Republicans Prepare for High-Stakes Primary Runoff Elections

CBS News • 26 May 10:00

Texas Republicans head to the polls for critical primary runoff elections, with incumbent Sen. John Cornyn facing Attorney General Ken Paxton following Trump's recent endorsement of Paxton.

Credibility 85% Manip. 20% Center
Texas Senate Primary Highlights GOP Divisions
Texas Senate Primary Highlights GOP Divisions

NPR • 26 May 09:00

The Texas GOP primary features a contentious race between Attorney General Ken Paxton and incumbent Senator John Cornyn, reflecting significant ideological splits within the party and potential implications for the upcoming elections.

Credibility 90% Manip. 15% Center
May 25, 2026
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Cornyn and Paxton Intensify Advertising Ahead of Texas GOP Senate Runoff
Cornyn and Paxton Intensify Advertising Ahead of Texas GOP Senate Runoff

AP News • 25 May 20:00

Texas Republican Senate candidates John Cornyn and Ken Paxton focus on extensive advertising campaigns as the runoff election approaches, with Paxton receiving a late endorsement from former President Donald Trump.

Credibility 90% Manip. 15% Center
May 19, 2026
4 total
Trump Endorses Ken Paxton in Texas GOP Senate Runoff
Trump Endorses Ken Paxton in Texas GOP Senate Runoff

Al Jazeera • 19 May 21:45

Former President Donald Trump has endorsed Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton over incumbent Senator John Cornyn in the upcoming Republican primary runoff.

Credibility 80% Manip. 25% Center
Trump Endorses Ken Paxton in Texas GOP Senate Runoff
Trump Endorses Ken Paxton in Texas GOP Senate Runoff

NBC News • 19 May 16:42

President Donald Trump has endorsed Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton over incumbent Senator John Cornyn in the upcoming Republican primary runoff.

Credibility 85% Manip. 25% Center
Trump Endorses Ken Paxton in Texas Senate Primary Runoff
Trump Endorses Ken Paxton in Texas Senate Primary Runoff

CNN • 19 May 16:37

President Donald Trump has endorsed Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton over incumbent Senator John Cornyn in the upcoming Republican primary runoff.

Credibility 85% Manip. 20% Center
Trump Endorses Ken Paxton in Texas Senate Runoff Against Incumbent John Cornyn
Trump Endorses Ken Paxton in Texas Senate Runoff Against Incumbent John Cornyn

CBS News • 19 May 16:35

President Donald Trump has endorsed Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in the upcoming Republican Senate runoff, challenging incumbent Senator John Cornyn.

Credibility 85% Manip. 25% Center
May 18, 2026
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Cornyn Concedes Trump Endorsement Unlikely in Texas Senate Runoff
Cornyn Concedes Trump Endorsement Unlikely in Texas Senate Runoff

Mediaite • 18 May 19:42

Senator John Cornyn acknowledges that President Donald Trump is unlikely to endorse him in the upcoming Texas Senate runoff against Attorney General Ken Paxton.

Credibility 75% Manip. 20% Center