Trump-backed Ken Paxton defeats John Cornyn in Texas primary

WASHINGTON, DC: Ken Paxton defeated longtime Texas Sen John Cornyn in Tuesday, May 26’s Republican Senate runoff after receiving a late endorsement from President Donald Trump, ending Cornyn’s decades-long run as one of the state’s top Republican leaders.

Paxton will now face Democratic state Rep James Talarico in November in a race that could help determine control of the Senate.

The Texas runoff became one of the most closely watched Republican primary contests in the country, highlighting divisions within the GOP between longtime party leaders and candidates closely aligned with Trump.

Trump endorsement shaped final stretch

Trump endorsed Paxton just one week before the runoff and repeatedly criticized Cornyn in the final days of the campaign. The president accused Cornyn of not backing him strongly enough during previous election cycles and described Paxton as a “true MAGA warrior.”

Cornyn argued during the campaign that he had consistently supported Trump’s policies and pointed to his long record as a Republican senator from Texas.

“I want Republicans to be successful,” Cornyn told Fox News Digital before the runoff. “Texans can be pretty independent.”

Despite Cornyn’s seniority and influence in Washington, many Republican voters backed Paxton’s more confrontational campaign style and his close relationship with Trump.

Race reflected changing GOP base

Throughout the campaign, Paxton focused heavily on immigration, border security and loyalty to Trump. He repeatedly accused Cornyn of being out of touch with Republican voters on major issues.

The race also reflected broader changes inside the Republican Party, where Trump’s endorsement continues to play a major role in primary elections.

Cornyn’s defeat follows several recent Republican primary losses involving candidates who either criticized Trump in the past or were viewed by voters as less closely aligned with him politically.

Many Republican voters and conservative activists supporting Paxton said they were frustrated with longtime Washington politicians and wanted candidates they believed would fight more aggressively for conservative priorities.

General election battle now begins

Paxton’s victory could also create new challenges for Republicans heading into November.

The Texas attorney general has faced multiple legal and political controversies over the years, including an impeachment trial in 2023 in which he was later acquitted by the Texas Senate. He has also faced scrutiny over personal matters during the campaign.

Cornyn and his allies repeatedly argued that Democrats would use those issues against Republicans in the general election.

Democrats are expected to heavily target the Texas race, especially as Talarico has emerged as a strong fundraiser and rising figure within the party.

While Republicans have historically performed well in statewide Texas elections, the runoff result is already being viewed as another sign of Trump’s continued influence over Republican primary voters ahead of the 2026 midterms.