Trump endorses Ken Paxton in Texas Senate primary runoff : NPR
NPR • • general
Key Points:
- President Trump has endorsed Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton over incumbent Sen. John Cornyn in the Texas GOP Senate runoff, urging the losing candidate to drop out to unify Republicans ahead of the November general election.
- Trump praised Paxton as a "Fighter" loyal to the cause and emphasized the need for candidates aligned with his MAGA base, after previously declining to endorse any candidate during the primary.
- The Texas Senate primary has become the most expensive in U.S. history, with over $100 million spent by both parties, as Democrats aim to capitalize on Trump's unpopularity in hopes of flipping the seat.
- Democratic nominee State Rep. James Talarico responded to Trump's endorsement by framing the race as a fight against political corruption and billionaire influence, rather than a traditional left-right battle.
- Trump’s endorsements have been largely successful in recent primaries, with most of his backed candidates winning outright or advancing to runoffs, highlighting his ongoing influence in GOP races.