US President Donald Trump has endorsed Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in his bid to unseat incumbent Senator John Cornyn in next Tuesday's Republican primary run-off race.
By siding with Paxton, Trump is supporting a Texas politician who has long been a close ally of the president – but also one who comes with considerable political baggage. Many Democrats have viewed Paxton as the weaker of the two candidates and relish what they believe is an opportunity to flip a Senate seat in a state that has a long history of electing Republicans.
Trump's move dismayed Cornyn's fellow Senate Republicans, many of whom have served with the Texan for decades and view him as a friend and ally. Maine Senator Susan Collins called Paxton ethically challenged while Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski expressed being supremely disappointed.
Trump, however, appears to have different preferences, as he has consistently backed Paxton, who has supported Trump’s efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election. Paxton also rallied for Trump during his 2024 trial concerning allegations of hush-money payments.
Like Trump, Paxton has faced his share of scandals. He recently settled a federal corruption indictment without admitting wrongdoing and was impeached in 2023 by the Republican-controlled Texas legislature for alleged fraud and obstruction of justice, though he was acquitted in a state Senate trial. Further, his personal life has come under scrutiny, including allegations of affairs that led to his wife's divorce filing.
Trump praised Paxton, stating, I know Ken well, have seen him tested at the highest and most difficult levels, and he is a winner! He acknowledged Cornyn as a good man but criticized him for not being supportive during tough times.
Early voting has already begun in Texas for what has been indicated as a tight race. In March, Cornyn narrowly led Paxton but fell short of the necessary 50% to secure the nomination, despite outspending Paxton significantly.
With Trump’s endorsement, Paxton may have a significant advantage heading into the primary against Cornyn, and the winner is set to contend with Democrat James Talarico in November's general election, a pivotal moment in a state that hasn't voted for a Democrat in a statewide election for 32 years.
