CA, US & World
Ken Paxton Defeats John Cornyn in Texas Senate Republican Primary
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has defeated four-term incumbent Senator John Cornyn in the Republican primary runoff, securing the GOP nomination for the U.S. Senate seat.
Paxton picked up a last-minute endorsement from President Trump, who backed him over Cornyn in what Paxton called "the most powerful force in politics." The win is part of a broader pattern of Trump backing challengers against Republican incumbents he feels haven't been loyal enough, including Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy and Kentucky Congressman Thomas Massie.
Cornyn, who stressed he had voted with Trump 99 percent of the time, conceded after the results came in. "I trust the voters of Texas, and they've made their decision, and I must respect it," he said.
Paxton now heads into the general election against Democrat James Talarico. The two are already trading sharp words, with Paxton calling Talarico "the most extreme radical the Democrats have ever nominated," while Talarico fired back, calling Paxton "the most corrupt politician in America."
Paxton has faced significant controversies in recent years, including a 2023 impeachment by the Republican-controlled state House, though the state Senate acquitted him. He also went through a public divorce in which his wife cited "biblical grounds."
Democrats see the race as a real opportunity in a state that has leaned reliably red, hoping Paxton's baggage makes the seat more competitive in November.
By: NBC Palm Springs
May 27, 2026
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