Trump Backed Ken Paxton Defeats John Cornyn in Texas GOP Senate Primary Runoff

AUSTIN, Texas — Attorney General Ken Paxton decisively defeated incumbent Sen. John Cornyn in Tuesday’s Texas Republican Senate primary runoff, delivering another major victory for President Donald Trump’s endorsed candidate and reinforcing Trump’s unchallenged leadership of the Republican Party.

Paxton, a vocal Trump ally who has consistently supported the president’s agenda on border security, election integrity, and conservative judicial appointments, won the contest in the solidly Republican state. Trump had thrown his full support behind Paxton, publicly criticizing Cornyn for what he described as insufficient loyalty during difficult moments.

The result continues a striking pattern this primary season: Trump-backed challengers are consistently prevailing against Republican incumbents perceived as insufficiently aligned with the America First agenda. Similar successes include the defeat of Sen. Bill Cassidy in Louisiana and Rep. Thomas Massie in Kentucky. Trump’s personal endorsement — or public opposition — has proven to be one of the most decisive factors in GOP primaries, even as he serves as a second-term president.

Cornyn, who had represented Texas in the Senate since 2002 and held senior leadership roles, was viewed by many as a representative of the more traditional GOP establishment. His loss sends a clear signal across the party that crossing President Trump carries significant political consequences.

Paxton is now heavily favored to win the general election in November. His victory strengthens the conservative, Trump-aligned bloc in the Senate and further consolidates the party under Trump’s direction.

This outcome cements President Trump’s position as the undisputed leader of the Republican Party nearly halfway through his second term. Unlike most presidents whose influence typically wanes in their final years, Trump continues to exert extraordinary sway over primaries, candidate recruitment, and the overall direction of the GOP through his personal popularity, media reach, and proven ability to deliver primary wins for his preferred candidates.

The Texas Senate race was closely watched nationally as a test of Trump’s enduring power. The result leaves little doubt that the Republican Party remains firmly in Trump’s hands heading into the critical 2026 midterm elections.