Story perspectives

Cornyn Leads Costliest Texas Senate Runoff, Trump Praises

5/22/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Texas Republican Senate primary runoff is the most expensive race in U.S. history.
Sen. John Cornyn and Attorney General Ken Paxton are competing in the runoff.
U.S. President Donald Trump praised Cornyn, appeared with him, but gave no endorsement.
Early voting runs 7 a.m.–7 p.m. Mon-Fri this week, with Election Day next Tuesday.
A Texas Southern University poll shows Cornyn one point ahead of James Talarico and Paxton tied with Talarico.

History

Historical Context

The 2010 Supreme Court decision in Citizens United v. FEC, delivered on June 24, 2010, lifted limits on corporate political spending. Following the ruling, Super PACs such as the Senate Leadership Fund pumped $150 million into races, while the National Republican Committee contributed $30 million in 2022. Today, Texas’s Republican Senate primary runoff pits incumbent Sen. John Cornyn against Attorney General Ken Paxton, with spending surpassing $200 million, echoing Citizens United’s surge. The precedent suggests future primaries will increasingly rely on unlimited donor money, pressuring candidates like Donald Trump to influence outcomes without formal endorsements.

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Story summary

The Texas Republican Senate primary runoff is the most expensive race in U.S. history.
Sen. John Cornyn and Attorney General Ken Paxton are competing in the runoff.
U.S. President Donald Trump praised Cornyn, appeared with him, but gave no endorsement.
Early voting runs 7 a.m.–7 p.m. Mon-Fri this week, with Election Day next Tuesday.
A Texas Southern University poll shows Cornyn one point ahead of James Talarico and Paxton tied with Talarico.

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