John Cornyn says Ken Paxton is a 'weak nominee' after Trump and JD Vance endorse him
WASHINGTON, DC: After President Donald Trump extended his support to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in the state’s GOP Senate Primary race, Paxton’s opponent, Republican Sen John Cornyn, reacted to his choice, saying Trump had opted for a “weak nominee.”
Both the candidates had lobbied hard to get Trump’s support. However, Trump announced his endorsement of Ken Paxton’s (R) primary campaign against Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) in a bombshell announcement on Tuesday, May 19.
I have worked closely with President Trump through both of his Presidential terms and voted with him more than 99% of the time. He has consistently called me a friend in this race. It is now time for Texas Republican voters to decide if they want a strong nominee to help our GOP…
— Senator John Cornyn (@JohnCornyn) May 19, 2026
John Cornyn says Trump opted ‘weak nominee’ in Texas
After Trump announced his support for Paxton, John Cornyn said that it was time for Texas Republicans to choose between a strong nominee and a weak one, “who jeopardizes everything we (republican) care about.”
“I have worked closely with President Trump through both of his Presidential terms and voted with him more than 99% of the time. He has consistently called me a friend in this race,” Cornyn wrote in a statement on social media.
“It is now time for Texas Republican voters to decide if they want a strong nominee to help our GOP candidates down ballot and defeat [James] Talarico in November, or a weak nominee.”
Trump supports Paxton in Texas GOP Primary
Amid his growing influence over key Republican primary battles, President Donald Trump on Tuesday, May 19, announced his endorsement of Ken Paxton in the high-stakes Texas Senate race.
🚨 BREAKING — IT’S OFFICIAL: President Trump has endorsed KEN PAXTON in the Republican primary for US Senate in Texas
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) May 19, 2026
John Cornyn is DOOMED.
“I know Ken well, have seen him tested at the highest and most difficult levels, and he is a WINNER! Ken is a Strong Supporter of… pic.twitter.com/fOc61hk1E3
The news came a day after Trump refused to officially endorse either of the Republican candidates in the closely watched primary race, where Sen John Cornyn and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton are locked in a fierce fight.
Trump called Paxton “loyal, and America first patriot” while announcing his endorsement for Paxton’s campaign.
“The Highly Respected Attorney General of Texas, Ken Paxton, an America First Patriot, and someone who has always been extremely loyal to me and our AMAZING MAGA MOVEMENT, is running for the United States Senate, to represent a place I love and WON, BIG, three times, with 6.4 Million Votes in 2024 (The Most Votes in the History of the State, BY FAR)!” began Trump wrote on Truth Social.
JD Vance says Paxton was there for country
After Trump’s announcement, Vice President JD Vance appeared to explain why Ken Paxton received the President’s backing despite Cornyn having been working closely with the Trump administration.
Vance on Trump endorsing Paxton:
— Acyn (@Acyn) May 19, 2026
I've known John Cornyn for a long time, but unfortunately, when it really counted, Ken Paxton was there for the country, was there for the president, and that's why he ultimately earned the president's endorsement. He thinks he's going to make a… pic.twitter.com/YYW3PwAJg8
JD Vance said that he had known John Cornyn for a long time, but argued that when it mattered most, Ken Paxton stood by the country and the president, which is why he ultimately earned Donald Trump’s endorsement.
Vance added that elected officials must serve the people who sent them to office, warning that those who fail to do so risk falling out of step with voters and the president politically.
