Ken Paxton Leads Texas Senate Runoff After Trump Endorsement

Ken Paxton John Cornyn Trump endorsement Texas Senate runoff Republican primary

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has surged ahead in the Republican primary runoff for the U.S. Senate seat, buoyed by former President Donald Trump's endorsement on May 19, 2024. A recent poll shows Paxton at 56.8% support versus incumbent Senator John Cornyn's 35.4%, and early voting has already begun ahead of the May 26 runoff.

Paxton has intensified his campaign, targeting both Cornyn and Democratic nominee state Rep. James Talarico, while highlighting his legal battles defending conservative policies. The Trump endorsement has energized the MAGA base, with former Rep. Wesley Hunt and other GOP figures rallying behind Paxton. Cornyn, backed by traditional party leadership, has been outspending pro‑Paxton groups three‑to‑one and is emphasizing character issues and his legislative record.

The contest underscores a deepening split within Texas Republicans between the Trump‑aligned faction and established GOP establishment, with potential ramifications for the party's strategy in the upcoming general election.

Sources

NEW: Trump-Endorsed Paxton Soars In Polls, Cornyn Faces Tough Fight Ahead [patriotfetch.com]

2 months ago

Cornyn, Paxton make dueling campaign stops in Houston area during GOP primary runoff for Senate | Houston Public Media [www.houstonpublicmedia.org]

2 months ago

Rallies, ad blitzes and a Trump endorsement: inside the final days of the Cornyn-Paxton runoff [www.sacurrent.com]

2 months ago

Paxton makes his final pitch in Texas US Senate race against Cornyn, buoyed by Trump's endorsement [www.winnipegfreepress.com]

2 months ago