Texas voters returned to the polls today for a closely watched Republican primary runoff that has become a test of President Donald Trump’s influence and Attorney General Ken Paxton’s (R-TX) political strength.
AG Paxton, who finished second in the March primary, forced a head-to-head contest with four-term Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) after no candidate secured a majority. The runoff quickly took on national significance after President Trump endorsed Paxton.
In a Truth Social post, Trump praised Paxton and sharply criticized Cornyn, writing: “TEXAS, REMEMBER! Ken Paxton was a GREAT Attorney General, probably the best in the Country. He was also very loyal to your favorite President, ME.”
Trump then added that Paxton’s opponent “was VERY disloyal to me, as President, and didn't fight hard enough” on key election-related policies, urging voters: “Vote for Ken Paxton on Tuesday, HE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!!!”
Paxton then responded to the continued support by the president, saying: "Thank you, Mr. President!"
President's Continued Support
Additionally, Trump has signaled dissatisfaction with Sen. Cornyn, saying the senator “was not supportive of me when times were tough.”
The contest has largely centered on competing claims of loyalty to Trump, with voting patterns reflecting that divide. In counties where Trump performed strongest in 2024, Paxton held an advantage in the initial primary, while Cornyn fared better in more moderate and urban areas.
Those dynamics could prove decisive in a runoff electorate that is typically smaller and more ideologically concentrated.
Beyond the Senate race, voters are also deciding a slate of primary runoffs for congressional and statewide offices. However, the Paxton-Cornyn matchup stands out, both for its rarity, only two incumbent Texas senators have lost a primary in the past century, and for its implications heading into November.
The Republican nominee will face Democratic state Rep. James Talarico in the general election, as Democrats signal renewed optimism despite Texas’s longstanding Republican tilt.
