Published：May 18, 11:10Last updated：May 22, 11:38

Trump Endorses Paxton in Texas Senate Runoff

May. 18, 2026 11:10

A contentious Texas runoff election is underway, pitting two Trump allies against each other. John Cornyn, aiming to secure his position in the US Senate, is emphasizing his alignment with the MAGA movement. This election could end Cornyn’s 24-year tenure in the Senate.

Summarized

11News

6Media

May. 20, 2026 00:03

Donald Trump endorsed Ken Paxton in the Texas Senate primary on May 20, 2026. Paxton, a controversial figure, faces incumbent Senator John Cornyn. The move has drawn criticism from some Republicans.

May. 22, 2026 11:38

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is making his final campaign push in the Republican primary runoff against Sen. John Cornyn, bolstered by President Trump's endorsement. The race is intensifying as Paxton seeks to secure the nomination. The event took place on May 22, 2026, in Dripping Springs, Texas.

A heated Texas Senate runoff election is underway, with former President Donald Trump endorsing Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton over incumbent Senator John Cornyn. The endorsement, announced on May 19, 2026, in Allen, Texas, has intensified the race and highlighted divisions within the Republican Party. Cornyn, seeking to secure his position after 24 years in the Senate, faces a formidable challenge from Paxton, who has actively sought Trump’s support to bolster his campaign. Bloomberg+2

🗳️ Trump’s Endorsement Impact

Trump’s endorsement of Paxton, whom he praised as an "America First Patriot" and "MAGA Warrior," has significantly influenced the race. The move surprised many observers and drew criticism from some Republican senators, including Cornyn himself. Trump cited Cornyn’s lack of support during tough times as a key reason for backing Paxton, further emphasizing his continued influence within the GOP. The Guardian+2

🏛️ Republican Party Divisions

The endorsement has deepened existing fractures within the Republican Party. While Paxton’s campaign has gained momentum, Cornyn’s supporters argue that Trump’s move undermines party unity. The race has become a litmus test for Trump’s sway over GOP primaries, with Paxton leveraging the endorsement to challenge Cornyn’s long-standing tenure in the Senate. The New York Times+1

📊 Campaign Dynamics

Paxton is making a final push in the Republican primary runoff, bolstered by Trump’s endorsement. The campaign has intensified, with both candidates vying for voter support ahead of the May 26 runoff election. The outcome will not only determine Texas’s Senate representation but also signal the direction of the Republican Party in the post-Trump era. Toronto Star+1

TexasKen PaxtonJohn CornynDonald TrumpRepublican Party