Trump endorses Paxton, upending Senate GOP plans in Texas race
Trump’s Endorsement Shakes Texas Senate GOP Strategy
Trump endorses Paxton upending Senate GOP plans – President Donald Trump made a pivotal move on Tuesday by endorsing Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in his primary bid against Senator John Cornyn, a decision that has sent shockwaves through the Republican Senate race. The announcement comes just days before the runoff election, where Paxton’s support could significantly alter the balance of power in the state. Cornyn, who had spent over a year attempting to secure Trump’s backing, now faces a potential setback as the former president’s intervention shifts the momentum in favor of his rival.
Trump’s endorsement has been described as a critical blow to Cornyn’s campaign, especially given the current political climate in Texas. The state’s Democrats, who have been working to reclaim the Senate majority, view the endorsement as a major opportunity. With their primary concluded in March, they have selected a well-funded candidate, state Rep. James Talarico, to challenge the GOP’s hold. However, the presence of Trump’s support for Paxton has heightened the stakes, making Texas a focal point in the broader battle for control of the Senate.
In a lengthy message on Truth Social, Trump highlighted his confidence in Paxton, stating, “I know Ken well, have seen him tested at the highest and most difficult levels, and he is a WINNER!” The former president also acknowledged Cornyn as a “good man” but noted that his support had wavered during the 2024 campaign. This remark appears to reference Cornyn’s hesitation in backing Trump after the New Hampshire primary, a moment that reportedly strained their relationship. Despite this, Cornyn had previously expressed doubt about Trump’s viability, suggesting his “time has passed him by” in early 2023. However, the Texas senator ultimately endorsed the president following his win in that key primary.
Trump’s decision to back Paxton has been framed as a strategic maneuver to solidify his influence within the GOP. Earlier this month, he played a role in unseating a group of Indiana state lawmakers who opposed his push for redistricting. On Saturday, Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy lost his primary, five years after he had voted to convict Trump in his second impeachment. The momentum of Trump’s support has also been directed toward Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky, a prominent GOP critic, in an effort to secure his own primary victory.
Paxton, a long-standing ally of Trump, has positioned himself as a staunch defender of the former president’s policies. Since 2015, he has built his political career on aligning with Trump, including his role in lawsuits aimed at overturning the 2020 election results in four battleground states. The Supreme Court rejected these claims, but Paxton’s determination to challenge the outcome remained unchanged. He also participated in the rally leading up to the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack, further cementing his association with Trump’s base.
Despite his loyalty to the former president, Paxton has not been without controversy. The Texas House impeached him in 2023 for alleged abuse of office, though the state Senate later acquitted him. Additionally, he has faced multiple accusations of infidelity, with his wife, state Senator Angela Paxton, filing for divorce last year. The divorce has become a key talking point for Cornyn’s campaign, which has used it to highlight Paxton’s personal struggles. Nevertheless, Paxton has consistently portrayed these challenges as politically motivated, framing them as attacks on his dedication to conservative principles.
The runoff election, set to take place a week from now, has drawn significant attention. Early voting began on Monday, with the race intensifying as both candidates prepare for the final stretch. Trump’s endorsement, which he announced earlier Tuesday, has raised expectations for Paxton’s chances. When asked about the decision, Trump told CNN’s Alayna Treene, “I pretty much always knew who I was going to endorse. I just thought this was a good time.” This statement underscores his belief in Paxton’s readiness to lead the state’s GOP contingent.
Paxton’s ability to remain consistent with Trump’s agenda has been a cornerstone of his campaign. His early support for the 2024 presidential bid, including attendance at Trump’s criminal trial in New York, demonstrated his unwavering commitment. However, his journey has not been without obstacles. The attorney general has battled legal issues stemming from securities fraud charges tied to his investment activities prior to his appointment. These challenges have tested his credibility, yet he continues to position them as partisan tactics rather than personal failures.
As the runoff approaches, the political landscape in Texas is expected to shift dramatically. Trump’s endorsement not only strengthens Paxton’s position but also underscores the broader implications for the Senate majority. With Democrats eager to capitalize on the opportunity, the outcome of this race will likely influence the next phase of the national political strategy. The story has been updated with additional details, and CNN’s Ted Barrett contributed to this report.
Key Players and Campaign Dynamics
John Cornyn, a seasoned senator from Texas, has been a central figure in the state’s political scene. His campaign against Paxton has been characterized by a focus on experience and bipartisanship, contrasting with Paxton’s more radical stance on issues like election integrity and judicial appointments. Cornyn’s earlier skepticism of Trump’s viability, which he expressed in 2023, has been a point of contention in his campaign. However, his eventual endorsement of the president following the New Hampshire primary shows a willingness to align with Trump’s vision, even as he faces criticism for his delayed support.
Paxton, on the other hand, has leveraged his connection to Trump to position himself as the ideal candidate for the party’s future. His campaign has emphasized loyalty to the former president, particularly in the wake of the 2020 election and the subsequent Capitol riot. The attorney general has also been vocal in his defense of Trump’s legal battles, including his trial in New York. These actions have helped Paxton maintain a strong base among Republican voters, though they have also drawn scrutiny from those who question his judgment.
The Texas Senate race has become a microcosm of the broader GOP struggle to retain power in a state that has historically leaned Republican. Cornyn’s incumbency has been challenged by Paxton’s aggressive campaign, which has targeted his perceived weaknesses. Trump’s endorsement, however, adds a new layer of complexity, as it introduces a level of national influence that could sway undecided voters. This dynamic has forced Cornyn to adjust his strategy, focusing on highlighting Paxton’s scandals and personal conduct as key arguments against his candidacy.
Meanwhile, the Democratic candidate, James Talarico, has been working to position himself as a viable alternative. His campaign has emphasized economic issues and healthcare reform, aiming to appeal to a broader electorate. However, the presence of Trump’s support for Paxton has created a sense of urgency for Talarico to mobilize his base. The race has also drawn attention to the role of early voting, which began on Monday, and the importance of securing votes in the final days before the runoff.
As the polls close, the outcome of the Texas Senate race will have significant implications for the 2026 midterm elections. Trump’s endorsement, which he had initially delayed, has now become a decisive factor in the contest. The former president’s ability to sway public opinion and rally support has been a defining feature of his political career, and his involvement in this race is no exception. The final days will be crucial as both candidates push for their respective visions of Texas’s future.
