Texas Attorney General Wins GOP Senate Primary Runoff

Senate Republicans moved quickly on Wednesday to unify behind the nominee. Several senators who had backed the incumbent issued endorsements within hours of the result.

Thune endorsed the nominee on a radio program Wednesday. He said Republican voters had spoken and the party must focus on keeping the seat in November. "The Republican voters in Texas spoke last night, Ken Paxton is our nominee for November and we've got to pivot and go all in to make sure that we keep Texas red," Thune said.

Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso also endorsed the nominee in a social-media post. He described the Democratic nominee as a far-left extremist and said a vote for the Republican would support a safer and stronger America.

Senators who had publicly backed the incumbent reversed course after the runoff. South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott, who had praised the incumbent in April, said he now stands united with the nominee. The National Republican Senatorial Committee deleted earlier statements critical of the nominee the day after the vote. Republican Ohio Sen. Bernie Moreno was among the first to endorse the winner.

The nominee will face Democratic state Sen.

James Talarico in November. Democrats expressed cautious optimism about their chances, citing the winner's past controversies. Republican Texas Sen. Ted Cruz is scheduled to host a fundraiser for the nominee on June 2. >"A vote for [Paxton] in November is a vote for a safer, stronger, and more prosperous America." — John Barrasso, May 27, 2026 (X post)