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Trump Backs Paxton; Paxton Halts Attack Ads Amid 45% Tie

5/24/2026

44 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

President Donald Trump endorsed Attorney General Ken Paxton for the Texas U.S. Senate race, intensifying campaign attacks.
Attorney General Ken Paxton announced on May 23 that his campaign and a supporting Super PAC will cease negative ads against Sen. John Cornyn.
Prediction-market platforms Kalshi and Polymarket and recent Texas polls show the eventual Republican nominee and Democrat James Talarico dead-locked around 45% each.

History

Historical Context

On November 8 1994, voters rejected President Bill Clinton’s agenda as the Republican Party, led by Newt Gingrich’s Contract with America, captured the House (gaining 54 seats) and eight Senate seats, ending Democratic control of Congress for the first time since 1952. The wave also helped George W. Bush win the Texas governorship, establishing a pattern of early endorsements and data-driven tactics echoed in today’s Ken Paxton race.

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Story summary

President Donald Trump endorsed Attorney General Ken Paxton for the Texas U.S. Senate race, intensifying campaign attacks.
Attorney General Ken Paxton announced on May 23 that his campaign and a supporting Super PAC will cease negative ads against Sen. John Cornyn.
Prediction-market platforms Kalshi and Polymarket and recent Texas polls show the eventual Republican nominee and Democrat James Talarico dead-locked around 45% each.

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