Trump's Endorsement Pays Off: Texas AG Paxton Advances in Midterm Primary

Ken Paxton, the incumbent Texas Attorney General backed by former U.S. President Donald Trump, defeated incumbent U.S. Senator John Cornyn in a heated Republican primary runoff, further consolidating Trump's influence within the party. After the polls closed, Fox News and CNN quickly declared Paxton the winner. Despite growing dissatisfaction among lawmakers on Capitol Hill regarding issues such as the U.S.-Iran war, the White House ballroom construction project, and allied compensation funds, this victory highlights Trump's continued significant influence over Republican politicians. Cornyn, a four-term veteran U.S. Senator and former Republican whip, was considered a frontrunner for the establishment earlier this year. However, Trump's public endorsement of Paxton late in the campaign proved to be a turning point, making Cornyn the latest incumbent Republican lawmaker to lose due to a misalignment with Trump's path. For years, 63-year-old Paxton has been plagued by legal and ethical controversies and personal scandals, including impeachment by the Republican-led Texas House in 2023, bribery and misconduct allegations, and divorce disputes. He was ultimately acquitted in the Texas Senate impeachment trial and has long claimed the allegations were politically motivated. In contrast, 74-year-old Cornyn has served as a U.S. Senator for Texas since 2002 and has deep ties to state donors and the Republican leadership in Washington. Last weekend, Trump praised Paxton on his social media platform, Truth Social, as a "loyal fighter" who has always stood with "your favorite president, me," while complaining that Cornyn did not fully support his policies. Paxton will face Democratic candidate and State Representative James Talarico in the November midterm elections. Republicans remain dominant in Texas, with Trump winning the state by nearly 14 percentage points in 2024. However, Democrats believe that because Paxton is more controversial, his "baggage" could provide them with a breakthrough opportunity.