Trump endorses Ken Paxton over Sen. John Cornyn ahead of Texas Republican Senate runoff
NBC News • • nation
Key Points:
- Former President Donald Trump endorsed Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in the Republican Senate primary runoff against incumbent Sen. John Cornyn, marking a significant political setback for Cornyn.
- Trump praised Paxton as a "true MAGA Warrior" who has consistently delivered for Texas, while criticizing Cornyn for not supporting him during difficult times despite calling him a "good man."
- The runoff, scheduled for May 26, follows a narrow primary where Cornyn led Paxton 42% to 41%; the winner will face Democrat James Talarico in the general election.
- Paxton has faced controversies including a 2023 impeachment on bribery and corruption charges, though he was acquitted, and personal issues such as a public divorce announcement, which have raised concerns among some GOP senators about his electability.
- Despite internal party worries about Paxton's viability, several Trump allies and other Republicans, including Rep. Wesley Hunt, have endorsed him, emphasizing his alignment with Trump's agenda and criticizing Cornyn's bipartisan efforts and past criticisms of Trump.