Trump Endorses Paxton in Texas Senate Primary Runoff
10 reported1 unconfirmed
According to a single-source report from The Atlantic, President Donald Trump endorsed Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in the Republican primary runoff for the U.S. Senate, choosing him over incumbent Senator John Cornyn. The endorsement came after 11 weeks of deliberation and was announced on Trump’s Truth Social platform. Paxton, who has faced multiple legal and ethical controversies including an indictment, impeachment, and allegations of infidelity, is seen by supporters as a loyal ally to Trump. The article notes that Senate Republicans were upset by the endorsement, while Paxton’s grassroots supporters celebrated it. The primary election is scheduled for the following week, and the winner will face Democratic candidate James Talarico in the general election. Political observers cited in the article suggest that Paxton’s nomination could make Texas a competitive race for Democrats.
What’s reported
Trump endorsed Paxton on Tuesday after 11 weeks of deliberation.
Paxton was indicted in 2015 for defrauding investors; charges were dismissed after community service and an ethics class.
In 2020, Paxton’s aides reported him to the FBI for using his office to benefit a donor; the Justice Department declined to prosecute.
A judge found Paxton violated the state Whistleblower Act, and Texas paid $6.6 million to the aides.
Paxton was impeached by the Texas House in 2023 and acquitted by the Senate.
Paxton’s wife, State Senator Angela Paxton, announced divorce in 2025 on “biblical grounds.”
Paxton has been reelected twice since 2014, serving 11 years as attorney general.
Trump wrote on Truth Social that Cornyn “was not supportive of me when times were tough.”
The Cook Political Report stated that if Paxton wins the primary, “Texas would move into a fully competitive race.”
Democratic candidate James Talarico is a state lawmaker and Presbyterian seminarian.
Open questions
The article does not specify the exact date of the primary runoff election.
Key figures
Ken Paxton, Texas Attorney General and Senate candidate
Donald Trump, President of the United States
John Cornyn, incumbent U.S. Senator from Texas
Angela Paxton, Texas State Senator and Ken Paxton’s wife (divorcing)
James Talarico, Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate
Jerry Patterson, Republican and former Texas land commissioner
Brandon Rottinghaus, political-science professor at the University of Houston
Sources: theatlantic.com
