Ken Paxton praises Trump for refusing to ‘abandon’ him despite Washington pressure

PLANO, TEXAS: Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton praised President Donald Trump for standing by him despite pressure from what he called the “Washington establishment,” telling supporters that Trump’s endorsement proved decisive in his Senate primary victory.

Speaking to cheering supporters after defeating Sen John Cornyn in the Republican primary, Paxton framed the race as a major victory for anti-establishment conservatives and Trump-aligned voters across Texas.

Ken Paxton credits Trump for Senate primary win

Paxton repeatedly cast his victory as a grassroots revolt against political insiders and establishment Republicans in Washington.

“When everyone in Washington told him to abandon me and abandon the people of Texas, he didn’t listen,” Paxton said during his victory speech. “Instead, he gave his complete and total endorsement.”

The crowd erupted in applause as Paxton thanked Trump directly and described the president’s political backing as unmatched in Republican politics.

“President Trump is the leader of our party and his endorsement is the most powerful force in politics,” Paxton continued. “And I’m honored to have his support, and I look forward to working with him in the Senate to deliver for Texas.”

The remarks underscored Trump’s continued dominance within the Republican Party, especially in high-profile primary contests where endorsements remain closely watched by conservative voters.

Ken Paxton blasts ‘Washington establishment’ after primary victory

“Tonight, we just sent a Texas-sized message to Washington,” Paxton told supporters as chants broke out inside the rally venue. “I said it in March, and I’ll say it again now, today, change was on the ballot and change won.”

The Texas attorney general argued that voters rejected establishment politics and reclaimed control over the Senate seat. “Let me be clear, this is not just my win. This is your win,” Paxton said. 

“We just proved that this Senate seat doesn’t belong to Washington. It belongs to you, the hardworking men and women of this state.”

The race had emerged as one of the most closely watched Republican primaries in the country, with Trump’s continued influence pitted against a longtime incumbent senator with deep ties to GOP leadership in Washington.

Trump’s endorsement helped change the race and coalesce conservative support behind Paxton, even as he has been beset by political and legal turmoil.

Trump publicly backed Paxton earlier in the race, criticizing Cornyn as insufficiently aligned with the MAGA movement and portraying Paxton as a fighter willing to challenge establishment Republicans.

The endorsement quickly energized Paxton’s campaign and became a rallying point for conservative activists frustrated with longtime Republican leadership figures in Washington.

Paxton’s victory speech focused heavily on loyalty, anti-establishment messaging, and Trump’s willingness to support allies facing political pressure.

The race is expected to remain a major national political story as Republicans prepare for the general election and continued battles over the future direction of the GOP.