U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R) responded on social media after President Donald Trump endorsed Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton (R) in the Republican Senate runoff race.
The endorsement intensified an already heated contest between Sen. Cornyn and AG Paxton as early voting begins in one of the most closely watched Republican primaries in Texas.
Following Trump's endorsement of Paxton, Cornyn emphasized his longstanding relationship with the former president and his voting record during Trump's presidency.
"I have worked closely with President Trump through both of his Presidential terms and voted with him more than 99% of the time," wrote Cornyn on social media. "He has consistently called me a friend in this race."
I have worked closely with President Trump through both of his Presidential terms and voted with him more than 99% of the time. He has consistently called me a friend in this race. It is now time for Texas Republican voters to decide if they want a strong nominee to help our GOP…
— Senator John Cornyn (@JohnCornyn) May 19, 2026
Cornyn then shifted his focus toward electability in the general election, arguing that Republican voters must decide which candidate is best positioned to defeat Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico in November.
"It is now time for Texas Republican voters to decide if they want a strong nominee to help our GOP candidates down ballot and defeat Talarico in November, or a weak nominee who jeopardizes everything we care about," said Cornyn. "I trust the Republican voters of Texas."
Trump's endorsement of Paxton has prompted several Republican lawmakers and conservative figures to publicly back the attorney general.
Cornyn's response to Trump's endorsement highlights the central political divide in the Texas Senate runoff: whether Republican voters prioritize experience and electability or align more closely with Trump-backed candidates reshaping the GOP.
