Full Breakdown
Republican Senators React to Trump's Endorsement of Ken Paxton in Texas Senate Primary
5/20/2026, 1:07:51 AM
Trump’s Endorsement Shifts the Texas Senate Primary Landscape
On May 19, President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social that he was endorsing Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in the Republican primary runoff against incumbent Senator John Cornyn. The endorsement followed a brief period in which Trump said he would back the candidate who would drop out if Senate leadership lifted the filibuster on the SAVE Act, a bill Trump supports. Paxton, a figure with multiple legal controversies, now faces Cornyn in a runoff scheduled for either May 23 or May 26, according to differing reports.
Background: A Costly and Contentious Primary
The Texas Senate race has become the most expensive Republican primary in history, with total spending exceeding $128 million and Republican campaigns and affiliated PACs contributing roughly $98.9 million. Paxton’s candidacy is marked by a series of scandals, including a plea-deal controversy involving a man accused of sexual abuse and a past securities-fraud case that resulted in a pre-trial diversion agreement. Cornyn, a four-term senator and longtime GOP leader, had previously signaled support for the SAVE Act, a position he only recently embraced.
Official Statements & Responses
President Trump’s Truth Social post described Paxton as “someone who has always been extremely loyal to me and our AMAZING MAGA MOVEMENT,” while characterizing Cornyn as “a good man… but he was not supportive of me when times were tough.” Senate Majority Leader John Thune, who had privately lobbied for Trump to back Cornyn, responded that “it’s his decision.” No direct comment from Senator Cornyn was recorded in the source material.
Criticism and Opposition from Senate Republicans
A wave of disapproval swept through the Senate caucus. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins expressed strong disappointment, warning that the endorsement could jeopardize the seat in the general election. Lindsey Graham warned the race would become “three times more expensive” and questioned Paxton’s suitability, recalling felony charges. Ron Johnson described himself as “speechless.” Several senators, including Steve Daines and Joni Ernst, publicly stated they would have preferred Trump to support Cornyn. Others, such as Roger Wicker and John Thune, remained stone-faced or silent, underscoring the depth of intra-party tension.
Verbatim Quotes
- “supremely disappointed” — Senator Lisa Murkowski, Republican U.S. Senator
- “I don't understand. He is an ethically challenged individual,” — Senator Susan Collins, Republican U.S. Senator
- “I thought Ken Paxton was a felon,” — Senator Lindsey Graham, Republican U.S. Senator
- “I'm speechless.” — Senator Ron Johnson, Republican U.S. Senator
- “I would like to see him support John Cornyn in Texas. I’ve made that clear.” — Senator Steve Daines, Republican U.S. Senator
- “How does that help strengthen the president’s hand when we lose a state like Texas?” — Senator Lisa Murkowski, Republican U.S. Senator
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the runoff date: some cite May 23, while others list May 26. No public statement from Senator Cornyn or from the Texas Republican Party clarifying the schedule is included. Additionally, while the endorsement’s impact on fundraising is widely speculated, precise projections remain unverified.
What’s Next
The runoff will determine the Republican nominee for the November general election, where Democrat James Talarico is positioned as the opposing candidate. Both parties are expected to intensify fundraising and campaign outreach in the weeks ahead, with the outcome likely influencing national Senate control dynamics.
