Full Breakdown
Trump Blames Cornyn, Rove for Potential Paxton Defeat in Texas Senate Race
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
President Donald Trump used his Truth Social platform on Thursday to accuse Texas Senate candidate Ken Paxton’s former Senate colleague John Cornyn and longtime GOP strategist Karl Rove of sabotaging Paxton’s bid for the U.S. Senate. The remarks came as the race entered its final weeks and polls showed Talarico holding a narrow lead.
Background & Context
Texas has not elected a Democrat to the U.S. Senate since 1988, making the seat a critical target for Republicans seeking to retain control of the chamber. Ken Paxton, the state attorney general, was impeached by the Texas House in 2023 on allegations of bribery and obstruction of justice but was acquitted by the state Senate and remained in office. In May 2026, Trump’s endorsement helped Paxton defeat four-term incumbent John Cornyn in the Republican primary, a defeat that strained relations with the party establishment. James Talarico, a state representative, is running as the Democratic challenger and has been described as a “likeable and photogenic” opponent.
Data & Statistics
- A September NBC 5 Dallas/Telemundo poll placed Paxton at 46 percent and Talarico at 43 percent, a margin within the survey’s margin of error.
- Since then, Republican-aligned groups have spent roughly $179 million on television and digital ads, compared with about $53 million from Democratic-aligned groups, according to AdImpact.
Official Statements & Responses
Trump’s post framed Cornyn and Rove as the primary reason a potential Paxton loss would occur, urging Texas Republicans to rally behind Paxton. Rove declined to comment when asked about the accusation. Cornyn’s office did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Alex Latcham, executive director of the Senate Leadership Fund, said Republicans need to move past the “bitter feelings” from the primary and unite behind Paxton.
Verbatim Quotes
- “If Ken Paxton loses, it will be because of WEAK and INEFFECTIVE Political Hacks like John Cornyn and Karl Rove, who have ineffectively opposed me for my entire political career,” — Donald Trump, US president
- “He’s clearly not helping. He wants me to lose,” — Ken Paxton, texas attorney
- “It’s tough. I know there are still bitter feelings on both sides,” — Hopes Fade Alex Latcham, the executive director of the Senate Leadership Fund
- “John Cornyn who, after my Endorsement, lost the Primary to Ken by a very wide margin, and Karl Rove, who shouldn’t be allowed to spew his jealousy on FoxNews, should be ashamed of themselves,” — Donald Trump, US president
What’s Next
The contest will be decided in the upcoming November election, a race that could determine whether Republicans maintain a Senate majority. Both campaigns are expected to intensify advertising and voter-turnout efforts in the final weeks.