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Trump Backs Paxton, Democrats See Flip Chance in Texas

5/20/2026

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Summary

Story summary

President Donald Trump endorsed Ken Paxton because Paxton pledged to end Senate filibuster and pass SAVE America voting-restriction bill.
Democrats say Paxton’s legal issues make his nomination a chance to flip Texas Senate seat in November.
Republican leaders John Thune and Lisa Murkowski warned the endorsement could endanger GOP’s hold on the seat.
Voting began May 20, with runoff set for May 26.
James Talarico raised $27 million Q1 2026.

History

Historical Context

The 2010 Supreme Court ruling in Citizens United v. FEC removed limits on corporate and union independent expenditures, sparking the rise of super-PACs that drew $1.2 billion from the ten largest donors between 2010 and 2020. Studies show the decision boosted Republican electoral odds, a trend that underlies today’s multimillion-dollar endorsements in races such as the 2026 Texas Senate contest.

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Story summary

President Donald Trump endorsed Ken Paxton because Paxton pledged to end Senate filibuster and pass SAVE America voting-restriction bill.
Democrats say Paxton’s legal issues make his nomination a chance to flip Texas Senate seat in November.
Republican leaders John Thune and Lisa Murkowski warned the endorsement could endanger GOP’s hold on the seat.
Voting began May 20, with runoff set for May 26.
James Talarico raised $27 million Q1 2026.

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