Trump Endorses Ken Paxton in Texas Runoff, Risking Millions in GOP Senate Spending
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · May 22
Trump Endorses Ken Paxton in Texas Runoff, Risking Millions in GOP Senate Spending
14 articles · Updated · The New York Times · May 22
Trump backed Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in next week’s Senate runoff against incumbent John Cornyn, a move that could reshape one of the GOP’s marquee 2026 primaries.
Polling cited in the report suggests Paxton may now be favored, despite concerns that some Republicans and Republican-leaning independents could defect in a general election.
That risk could force the National Republican Senatorial Committee and allied super PACs to pour money into defending Texas, a state Trump carried by double digits in 2024.
The endorsement also revives a broader Republican fear that Trump could again elevate candidates seen as weaker statewide contenders, echoing complaints that his 2022 picks hurt the party’s Senate chances.
How does record spending influence voter choice versus a candidate's perceived loyalty?
With primary spending over $122 million, what is the true cost of a nomination?