Trump backs Ken Paxton in crucial Texas Republican Senate run-off | US Midterm Elections 2026 News
Trump Endorses Paxton in Texas Senate Run-off
United States President Donald Trump has endorsed Texas State Attorney General Ken Paxton in the Republican run-off for the U.S. Senate, ahead of next week’s primary elections.
In a detailed post on Truth Social, Trump praised Paxton as “extremely loyal” to him and the “AMAZING MAGA MOVEMENT” while criticizing incumbent Senator John Cornyn for not supporting him during challenging times.
Trump previously urged candidates lacking his endorsement to “DROP OUT OF THE RACE.” Under Texas election rules, a candidate must secure a majority of the votes to obtain the party nomination. Neither Paxton nor Cornyn achieved this requirement in the March primary.
Texas’s open primary system allows voters to participate in any party’s primary without being a registered member of that party, although they must commit to voting exclusively within that primary.
Historically, Paxton has been viewed as the front-runner for the Republican nomination, though he faces a competitive race in the general election. At 63, Paxton has never lost an election despite facing multiple controversies, including allegations of adultery and an indictment on felony securities fraud charges. He was also impeached by members of his own party.
Recent polling indicates a close race between the candidates. A May poll from Texans for a Conservative Majority, a super PAC aligned with Cornyn, showed the incumbent leading by a single point. Conversely, a poll backed by the pro-Paxton Lone Star Liberty PAC indicated Paxton leading by 11 points. An independent poll from the University of Houston’s Hobby School of Public Affairs showed Paxton with a 3-point edge.
Concerns have been raised within the Texas Republican Party regarding Paxton’s viability in the general election. Texas State Representative Matt Shaheen expressed his worries on social media, stating that Paxton could pose a risk for Texas conservatives.
The Republican nominee will likely face a challenging general election. Polls reveal that Democratic candidate James Talarico is either favored or within a narrow margin of error against both Cornyn and Paxton. A recent survey from the Barbara Jordan Public Policy Research and Survey Center showed Talarico tied with Paxton, while Cornyn held a slight advantage.
More striking statistics emerged from a University of Texas poll, which revealed Talarico leading by 7 points against Cornyn and by 8 points against Paxton. Texas Public Opinion Research reflected Talarico’s lead as 5 points against Paxton and 3 points against Cornyn.
While Democrats assert that various statewide races could lean Democratic, they have not occupied a statewide office in Texas since 1994.
Political strategists suggest Trump’s endorsement could complicate his relationship with Senate Republicans. Mark Jones, a political science professor at Rice University, warned that Trump has likely alienated some within the Republican majority in the Senate, particularly Senator John Thune, who has lobbied for Trump to endorse Cornyn.
Republicans currently hold a majority in the U.S. Senate with 53 seats, while Democrats possess 45 seats, along with two independents—Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Angus King of Maine—who caucus with the Democrats.
