Story perspectives

Trump-Backed Paxton Wins; Senators Threaten $70B Budget, GOP Majority

5/29/2026

Summary

Story summary

President Donald Trump's endorsement of Ken Paxton produced a 64-36% runoff win over Sen. John Cornyn in Texas.
Trump's endorsements also ousted incumbent Republican Senators John Cornyn and Bill Cassidy.
GOP senators—Thom Tillis, Bill Cassidy, John Cornyn, Rand Paul—threaten to block the $70 billion ICE-border budget and a $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund.
Republican leaders warn that losing these senators could drop the GOP Senate majority below 50, jeopardizing Trump's agenda.

History

Historical Context

In the 1994 midterm elections, Republicans used Newt Gingrich’s Contract with America to win a 54-seat swing in the House and eight Senate pickups, producing a 54-46 Senate majority—the first unified GOP control since 1952. Trump’s endorsement of Ken Paxton mirrors that top-down approach, while primary threats to senators like John Cornyn echo the internal fights that once reshaped congressional power.

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Story summary

President Donald Trump's endorsement of Ken Paxton produced a 64-36% runoff win over Sen. John Cornyn in Texas.
Trump's endorsements also ousted incumbent Republican Senators John Cornyn and Bill Cassidy.
GOP senators—Thom Tillis, Bill Cassidy, John Cornyn, Rand Paul—threaten to block the $70 billion ICE-border budget and a $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund.
Republican leaders warn that losing these senators could drop the GOP Senate majority below 50, jeopardizing Trump's agenda.

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