Cornyn tries to hold on to Texas Senate seat in runoff with Paxton, the latest test of Trump’s power
ABC News: Politics — 2026-05-26 01:09:00 — abcnews.com
Trump’s Influence Looms Large in Texas Senate Runoff
PLANO, Texas — As Texans head to the polls for a Republican Senate runoff election on Tuesday, the stakes are high for both candidates. State Attorney General Ken Paxton is challenging four-term Senator John Cornyn, and the outcome could mark a historic moment: Cornyn risks becoming the first Republican senator in Texas history to lose a party nomination. This contentious race has been further complicated by President Donald Trump’s late endorsement of Paxton, a move that underscores his ongoing influence within the GOP.
Trump’s Endorsement and Its Implications
Trump’s endorsement of Paxton came after a bitter primary battle, where Cornyn and his allies spent approximately $90 million on advertising, primarily aimed at discrediting Paxton. Despite this financial advantage, Trump’s backing could provide Paxton with a crucial boost. “I know who gets to choose our senators, and it’s the people of Texas,” Cornyn stated shortly after the endorsement, signaling his determination to fight back.
The winner of this runoff will face Democratic state Rep. James Talarico in the November general election. The runoff also holds significance for Democratic U.S. House nominees in districts that lean heavily Democratic, including those in Dallas and Houston.
Trump’s Record of Disparagement and Misinformation
In his endorsement, Trump claimed, “Ken Paxton has gone through a lot, in many cases, very unfairly, but he is a Fighter, and knows how to win. Our Country needs Fighters, and also Loyalty to the Cause of Greatness.” However, Trump’s assertion that Paxton has faced unfair treatment overlooks the serious ethical questions surrounding the attorney general, including his recent impeachment trial, where he was acquitted of charges related to extramarital affairs.
Moreover, Trump disparaged Cornyn, stating that he “was not supportive of me when times were tough” and that “John was very late in backing me.” This claim is misleading; Cornyn has publicly supported Trump on several occasions, including during the contentious 2020 election cycle. Cornyn’s previous comments suggesting that Trump might not win the presidency again in 2024 have fueled Trump’s ire, further complicating their relationship.
Impact of Negative Messaging on Voter Turnout
The negative tone of the campaign, characterized by hyper-negative messaging from both sides, could significantly impact voter turnout. Texas Republican strategist Tyler Norris noted that such messaging tends to dampen enthusiasm among voters. “The defining battle lines are based around hyper-negative messaging, which dampens turnout to begin with,” he explained. “So who is going to show up is the hardest of the hardcore.”
Recent Controversies and Legal Issues
Trump’s recent endorsements have not been without controversy. In May, he labeled Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy as “a Disloyal Disaster” after Cassidy voted to convict him during his impeachment trial. Cassidy subsequently lost his primary, illustrating Trump’s ability to influence Republican primaries by punishing those he perceives as disloyal.
In endorsing Paxton, Trump also failed to address the ongoing scrutiny surrounding Paxton’s office, particularly regarding its handling of a Waco sex abuse case, which has been criticized by pro-Cornyn groups. This lack of acknowledgment raises questions about the integrity of Trump’s endorsement and its implications for the GOP’s future in Texas.
Conclusion
As the runoff election approaches, the dynamics between Trump, Paxton, and Cornyn highlight the ongoing struggle within the Republican Party over loyalty and influence. With Trump’s endorsement potentially swaying the outcome, the implications for both candidates—and the broader GOP—are significant. Voters in Texas will ultimately decide whether to align with Trump’s vision for the party or to support a more traditional Republican approach represented by Cornyn. The results could reshape the political landscape in Texas and beyond.
Source: https://abcnews.com/Politics/wireStory/cornyn-hold-texas-senate-seat-runoff-paxton-latest-133303577