An article summarized by The Texas Tribune:
President Trump officially endorsed Ken Paxton in the Republican runoff for the U.S. Senate seat in Texas, delivering a major boost to Paxton’s campaign against longtime Senator John Cornyn. Trump praised Paxton as a loyal “MAGA Warrior” and highlighted his support for ending the Senate filibuster and advancing Republican voting legislation, while criticizing Cornyn for waiting too long to endorse Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign.
The endorsement comes after months of intense lobbying from both camps and just days before the runoff election, with millions already spent on attack ads and tens of thousands of early votes already cast. Cornyn’s allies had pushed hard for Trump’s backing, arguing that Paxton’s legal controversies and past scandals could hurt Republicans in both Senate and down-ballot races. Despite those concerns, Trump ultimately sided with Paxton, emphasizing loyalty and support during politically difficult moments as a deciding factor.
The race has become a major test of Trump’s influence over the Republican Party and its future direction. Paxton has positioned himself as a more aggressive Trump-aligned outsider, while Cornyn has stressed his long Senate experience and strong voting record with Republicans. Democrats believe Paxton may be easier to defeat in a general election against Democratic nominee James Talarico, who has gained attention in polling and fundraising. Trump’s endorsement signals his continued effort to reshape the GOP around candidates closely aligned with his political movement and priorities.
