Full Breakdown
Trump Endorses Ken Paxton in Texas Senate Runoff
5/20/2026, 12:15:20 AM
Endorsement and Immediate Effect
On May 19, 2026 President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social that “Ken is a true MAGA Warrior who has ALWAYS delivered for Texas, and will continue to do so in the United States Senate.” He added, “John Cornyn is a good man, and I worked well with him, but he was not supportive of me when times were tough.” The endorsement arrived a week before the May 26 runoff between Attorney General Ken Paxton and incumbent Sen. John Cornyn and immediately intensified campaign activity on both sides.
Background to the Runoff
The March 3 primary left no candidate with a majority: Cornyn earned roughly 42 percent of the vote, Paxton about 41 percent—a margin of about 26,000 votes. Early voting began May 18, and the contest has become the costliest Texas Senate primary ever, with Cornyn-aligned groups spending more than $87 million and Paxton-aligned groups about $9 million.
Key Figures and Their Positions
- Donald Trump – former president, endorses Paxton as a loyal “MAGA Warrior.”
- Ken Paxton – Texas attorney general, longtime Trump ally, previously impeached by the state House, acquitted by the Senate, and under a securities-fraud investigation and a 2023 divorce filing.
- John Cornyn – four-term Republican senator, voted with Trump > 99 percent, stresses electability against Democrat James Talarico.
- James Talarico – Democratic state representative, nominee for the November general election.
- Senate leaders – Majority Leader John Thune (South Dakota) said the endorsement was “his decision.” Senators Susan Collins (Maine) and Lisa Murkowski (Alaska) called Paxton “ethically challenged” and expressed disappointment. Lindsey Graham (South Carolina) warned Paxton’s path would be “uphill and cost more.”
Campaign Finance and Polling
Cornyn’s campaign and allied super-PACs have spent over $87 million on advertising, including $26.5 million during the runoff period. Paxton’s side has spent roughly $9.2 million total, about $4.9 million since the primary. Polls differ: a University of Houston Hobby School survey (April 28-May 1) gave Paxton 48 percent, Cornyn 45 percent, with 7 percent undecided; other polls reported a statistical tie. In general-election match-ups, Talarico leads both Republicans in several surveys.
Official Statements & Responses
Trump framed Paxton as a “fighter” who has been “unfairly” attacked. Paxton replied, “I am incredibly honored to have President Trump’s COMPLETE AND TOTAL ENDORSEMENT.” Cornyn emphasized his record, stating, “It is now time for Texas Republican voters to decide if we want a strong nominee … or a weak nominee who jeopardizes everything we care about.” Thune declined to comment on strategy, noting only that the endorsement was Trump’s choice.
Criticism & Opposition Within the GOP
Republican senators warned that Paxton’s legal and personal controversies could endanger the seat. Collins labeled him “ethically challenged,” Murkowski said she was “supremely disappointed,” and Graham warned the race would be “three times more expensive” if Paxton secured the nomination. Thune cautioned that losing Texas would weaken the party’s Senate majority.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Polling data vary on who leads the runoff, and campaign-spending totals differ between sources reporting $100 million versus $125 million overall. Early reports suggested Trump might have initially planned to endorse Cornyn, but later statements indicate his decision hinged on recent polling and Paxton’s support for the SAVE America Act.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Ken is a true MAGA Warrior who has ALWAYS delivered for Texas, and will continue to do so in the United States Senate.” — Donald Trump, Truth Social
- “John Cornyn is a good man, and I worked well with him, but he was not supportive of me when times were tough.” — Donald Trump, Truth Social
- “ Paxton, in a statement on X after the Trump endorsement, wrote: "I am incredibly honored to have President Trump’s COMPLETE AND TOTAL ENDORSEMENT.” — Ken Paxton, X
- “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 Talarico in November, or a weak nominee who jeopardizes everything we care about,” — John Cornyn, X
- “He is an ethically challenged individual.” — Susan Collins, Senate statement
Why It Matters
The seat is pivotal to the Republican Senate majority (53-47). Party leaders argue Cornyn offers a better chance to retain the seat, while Trump’s backing of Paxton tests the former president’s influence over GOP nominations and could reshape the Senate balance if the runoff outcome alters the general-election dynamics.
What’s Next
Early voting ends May 25; the runoff occurs May 26. The winner will face Democrat James Talarico in the November general election, a contest that could determine whether Republicans maintain their Senate majority.
