Trump Endorses Ken Paxton Over John Cornyn in Texas Senate Runoff

President Trump endorsed Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton on Tuesday in the Republican primary runoff for the U.S. Senate seat in Texas. The endorsement came one week before the May 26 runoff between Paxton and four-term Sen. John Cornyn. Early voting in the runoff began Monday.

” He described Cornyn as “a good man” but said the senator “was not supportive of me when times were tough” and was “very late in backing me” during the 2024 campaign. Sen. Susan Collins of Maine called Paxton an “ethically challenged individual” and said she was disappointed that Trump did not support Cornyn.

Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska said she was “supremely disappointed” and questioned how the endorsement would help Republicans hold the seat. Senate Majority Leader John Thune said the decision was Trump’s to make. Sen. Lindsey Graham noted that Paxton would face a more difficult path in the general election and said Republicans would need to raise additional funds.

Paxton has served as Texas attorney general since 2015. He was acquitted by the state Senate in a 2023 impeachment trial on corruption charges and reached a settlement in a securities fraud case in 2024. Cornyn finished first in the March 3 primary with about 42 percent of the vote, while Paxton received nearly 41 percent.

Democrats nominated state Rep. James Talarico in their March 3 primary.