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Trump endorses Paxton over Cornyn in Texas runoff
US President Donald Trump has thrown his weight behind Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in next Tuesday's Republican primary runoff, siding with a longtime ally over incumbent Senator John Cornyn. The move has deepened divisions within the GOP as the party braces for a competitive general election.
Paxton's controversial record
Paxton, a staunch Trump supporter, has faced repeated legal and ethical challenges. In 2023, the Texas House impeached him on allegations of fraud and obstruction of justice, though he was acquitted in a state Senate trial. He also settled a federal corruption indictment last year without admitting wrongdoing. Personal scandals, including his wife filing for divorce amid reports of extramarital affairs, have further complicated his candidacy.
Despite this, Trump praised Paxton on Truth Social, calling him a "winner" who had been "tested at the highest and most difficult levels." The president criticized Cornyn for not endorsing his 2024 re-election bid until January of that year, calling the delay a sign of disloyalty.
Cornyn fights back
Cornyn, a 74-year-old Senate veteran and former Republican leadership member, has framed the race as a choice between a "strong nominee" and one who could jeopardize GOP gains. He noted his near-perfect voting alignment with Trump but argued Paxton's baggage could hurt the party in November.
Other Senate Republicans have rallied behind Cornyn. Maine Senator Susan Collins called Paxton "ethically challenged," while Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski said she was "supremely disappointed" by Trump's endorsement.
Primary dynamics and general election stakes
Early voting is underway in Texas, where polls suggest a tight race. In the March primary, Cornyn led Paxton but fell short of the 50% threshold needed to avoid a runoff, despite outspending his opponent by over $65 million. Trump's late endorsement may now tip the scales in Paxton's favor.
The winner will face Democrat James Talarico, a state legislator, in November. While Texas has not elected a statewide Democrat in 32 years, recent polls indicate a competitive race. Trump won the state by 14 points in 2024, but Democrats see an opening after Beto O'Rourke's narrow loss to Senator Ted Cruz in 2018.
Broader GOP tensions
Trump's endorsement of Paxton follows similar moves in other states, where he has backed challengers against incumbents who opposed him. In Louisiana, Senator Bill Cassidy lost to a Trump-endorsed candidate after voting to convict the president during his 2021 impeachment trial. In Kentucky, Trump recruited a primary challenger against Congressman Thomas Massie, who had opposed key parts of his agenda.
Unlike those lawmakers, Cornyn has largely aligned with Trump's policies but has faced criticism for perceived disloyalty. Paxton's campaign has highlighted Cornyn's votes on gun regulation and immigration enforcement, accusing him of being too moderate on border security.
What's next
Texas voters will decide the runoff on Tuesday (May 26). The outcome could signal the strength of Trump's influence within the GOP and set the tone for November's general election.
