The simmering feud between U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R) and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton (R) escalated this week after Paxton challenged Cornyn's confidence that President Donald Trump will give him an endorsement for re-election.
Cornyn, speaking on The Chad Hasty Show, said that he is "growing more confident" that Trump will back his 2026 Senate campaign, noting that Trump's advisers "must be telling him that Paxton is a weak candidate and could endanger down-ballot Republicans."
Paxton quickly responded on social media, writing, "John Cornyn was confident Donald Trump wouldn't win the election. Thankfully, he was wrong."
John Cornyn was confident Donald Trump wouldn’t win the election.
Thankfully, he was wrong. https://t.co/LdbgZMy22G
— Attorney General Ken Paxton (@KenPaxtonTX) November 6, 2025
Cornyn's Campaign didn't let the comment go unanswered, with his communications manager, Matt Mackowiak, firing back directly at Paxton.
"Your unchecked lies stop now. Sen. Cornyn endorsed President Trump in 2024 earlier than any GOP presidential candidate in his career. He campaigned for him, raised money for him, and actively helped," wrote Mackowaik. "Why hasn't Trump endorsed you, Ken?"
Hi @KenPaxtonTX: Your unchecked lies stop now.
Sen. Cornyn endorsed President Trump in 2024 earlier than any GOP presidential candidate in his career.
It was the night of the New Hampshire primary after his second blowout win.
He campaigned for him, raised money for him, and…
— Matt Mackowiak (@MattMackowiak) November 6, 2025
The exchange highlights growing tension in the Texas Republican Party ahead of the 2026 Senate race. Trump, who has yet to endorse any Texas candidate, faces mounting pressure to weigh in as Cornyn, Paxton, and U.S. Rep. Wesley Hunt eye the seat.
