Trump-Backed Paxton Ousts Cornyn in Texas Senate Runoff/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Ken Paxton defeated longtime Sen. John Cornyn in Texas’ Republican Senate runoff, delivering another major victory for Donald Trump. Paxton credited Trump’s endorsement for helping propel him to victory in one of the year’s most closely watched GOP primaries. Democrats now hope nominee James Talarico can capitalize on Paxton’s controversies in the November general election.
Texas Senate Runoff Quick Looks
- Ken Paxton defeated John Cornyn in GOP runoff.
- Trump endorsed Paxton shortly before election day.
- Cornyn became first Texas GOP senator to lose renomination.
- Paxton called Trump endorsement “the most powerful force in politics.”
- Democrats view Paxton as vulnerable in November.
- James Talarico will face Paxton in general election.
- Cornyn conceded and pledged to support Paxton.
- Trump-backed challengers also won in several other states.
- Campaign spending exceeded $100 million.
- Texas House Democratic runoffs were also decided Tuesday.
Deep Look
Ken Paxton Scores Major GOP Victory in Texas
Ken Paxton won the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate on Tuesday, defeating four-term Sen. John Cornyn in a major political upset that underscored the continuing influence of Donald Trump over Republican primary voters.
The victory makes Cornyn the first Republican senator from Texas ever to lose his party’s renomination bid.
Cheers erupted at Paxton’s election night event as supporters celebrated the outcome of one of the most expensive and bitter Republican primaries in recent Texas history.
Paxton Praises Trump’s Support
Paxton immediately credited Trump’s endorsement for helping him secure victory.
“When everyone in Washington told him to abandon me and abandon the people of Texas, he didn’t listen,” Paxton said. “President Trump is the leader of our party, and his endorsement is the most powerful force in politics.”
Trump endorsed Paxton just days before the runoff, calling him a “true MAGA warrior.”
The race became another example of Trump successfully targeting Republican incumbents he considered insufficiently loyal.
Cornyn Concedes Defeat
Cornyn delivered a brief concession speech Tuesday night in Austin.
“Tonight we’ve come up short,” Cornyn said, while promising to support Paxton in the general election. “I’ve always supported the Republican ticket, and I intend to do so again.”
Cornyn’s relationship with Trump had been strained for years.
Trump criticized Cornyn during the campaign, saying he “was not supportive of me when times were tough” and that “John was very late in backing me.”
Cornyn previously questioned Trump’s political future during the 2024 election cycle and had earlier criticized Trump’s border wall proposal before later supporting it.
Democrats See Opportunity
Democrats believe Paxton’s nomination could create a rare statewide opening in heavily Republican Texas.
State Rep. James Talarico will face Paxton in November, and Democrats are already highlighting Paxton’s legal and ethical controversies.
Paxton acknowledged the challenge ahead during his victory speech.
“Without a shadow of a doubt, I will be the Democrats’ No. 1 target in November,” he said.
Talarico’s campaign quickly responded online, emphasizing what Democrats view as Paxton’s vulnerabilities, including past corruption investigations and impeachment proceedings.
Campaign Dominated by Attacks and Controversy
The primary campaign lasted more than a year and featured relentless advertising from both sides.
Cornyn and allied groups reportedly spent approximately $109 million across the primary and runoff campaigns, much of it attacking Paxton over:
- Ethics investigations
- Corruption allegations
- Personal scandals
- Extramarital affair accusations
Paxton survived a 2023 impeachment trial in the Texas Senate and was later acquitted.
His wife also filed for divorce last year, citing “biblical grounds.”
Despite those controversies, Paxton maintained strong support among conservative grassroots voters aligned with Trump.
Trump’s Influence Continues Expanding
Paxton’s victory follows several recent Republican primaries where Trump-backed challengers defeated incumbent or establishment-aligned Republicans.
Trump previously endorsed successful challengers in:
- Louisiana
- Kentucky
- Indiana
The results reinforce Trump’s continued dominance within Republican primary politics heading into the 2026 midterm elections.
Voters Divided Over Paxton
Republican voters interviewed after voting reflected sharply divided opinions about the candidates.
Retired Dallas-area voter David Jacobson said Trump’s endorsement influenced his support for Paxton.
“Maybe it’s time for a change,” Jacobson said.
Meanwhile, voter Linda Williams backed Cornyn because she believed he had a stronger chance of winning in November.
“Because Paxton is a crook,” Williams said after voting in Plano.
Other Texas Races Also Decided
Tuesday’s elections also settled several important Democratic House contests across Texas.
Among the notable outcomes:
- Christian Menefee defeated longtime Rep. Al Green in Houston’s 18th District.
- Former Rep. Colin Allred defeated Rep. Julie Johnson in Dallas-area District 33.
- Johnny Garcia won the Democratic nomination in Texas’ 35th District near San Antonio.
The Texas results are expected to have major implications for Senate control and House races heading into November.
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