Trump Endorses Ken Paxton in Texas Senate Runoff
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Former President Donald Trump endorsed Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton over incumbent Senator John Cornyn in the Republican primary runoff. The winner will face Democratic nominee James Talarico in November. Trump's endorsement came one day after early voting began and one week before voting ends.
Facts First
- Donald Trump endorsed Ken Paxton in the Texas Republican Senate runoff.
- John Cornyn and Ken Paxton qualified for the May 26 runoff after the March 3 primary.
- James Talarico is the Democratic nominee and holds a fundraising advantage.
- Ken Paxton was acquitted in a 2023 impeachment trial and settled a securities fraud case in 2024.
- The race is rated 'likely Republican' by the Cook Political Report.
What Happened
Former President Donald Trump endorsed Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton over incumbent Senator John Cornyn in the Republican primary runoff for U.S. Senate. The endorsement occurred on Tuesday, one day after early voting began and one week before voting ends on May 26. Senator John Cornyn and Ken Paxton qualified for this runoff after the March 3 primary, where Cornyn received the most votes but did not secure a majority. Representative Wesley Hunt finished third and did not advance. Trump posted on social media that "Ken Paxton has gone through a lot, in many cases, very unfairly, but he is a Fighter, and knows how to WIN." He also stated that "Our Country needs Fighters, and also Loyalty to the Cause of Greatness."
Why this Matters to You
This endorsement could significantly influence the outcome of the May 26 runoff, which will determine the Republican candidate for the Texas Senate seat. The winner will face Democratic nominee James Talarico in the November general election. Talarico has led both Cornyn and Paxton in recent polling and holds a fundraising advantage, though the race is currently rated "likely Republican." The primary has become the most expensive Senate primary in U.S. history, with over $100 million spent by both parties, indicating high stakes for control of the seat. For you, the result may shape the political direction and policy priorities of Texas for the next term.
What's Next
Early voting ends on Friday, with Election Day on May 26. The winner of the Republican runoff will proceed to the general election against James Talarico. Following the primary, Trump posted on Truth Social that the runoff "MUST STOP NOW" so Republicans could focus on the November contest, and demanded that the candidate who did not receive his endorsement "immediately DROP OUT OF THE RACE." He claimed his endorsements "have been virtually insurmountable" and that "almost everyone I Endorse WINS." In the March 3 primaries in Texas, North Carolina, and Arkansas, all but five of Trump's endorsed candidates won outright or faced no challenger.