Trump endorses Ken Paxton over John Cornyn in Texas

Trump endorses – President Donald Trump used a Tuesday afternoon Truth Social post to endorse Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton over Sen. John Cornyn in a Republican Senate runoff next week—reshaping a race that only reached a deadlock after a March 3 primary. The endorsement

When President Donald Trump posted his endorsement of Ken Paxton on Tuesday afternoon, it landed like a statement meant to be seen quickly—and to be felt just as fast.

On Truth Social, Trump backed Paxton for the U.S. Senate, calling him an “America First Patriot” and saying Paxton has “always been extremely loyal to me and our AMAZING MAGA MOVEMENT.” The endorsement sets up a Republican primary runoff next week in Texas, where Paxton will face Sen. John Cornyn.

The timing matters because the runoff follows a March 3 primary that ended with almost nothing separating the two men. Cornyn narrowly edged Paxton, 42% to 41%, failing to win a majority and forcing the second election.

Trump’s endorsement also arrives after weeks of uncertainty about whether he would weigh in—and whether he might lean toward Cornyn. At one point, Trump appeared poised to back Cornyn. Later. he shifted his stance and tied his position to the SAVE America Act. which would require voters to present identification to cast ballots in federal elections.

That line became a defining theme again once Trump backed Paxton. In his new post, he said Paxton “is a Strong Supporter of TERMINATING THE FILIBUSTER and, very importantly, THE SAVE AMERICA ACT.”

The filibuster and the SAVE Act have already been the fault line inside the campaign. Paxton has said he would consider dropping out if Senate leadership agreed to do away with the filibuster so Republicans could pass the measure without Democratic votes.

After Trump’s Tuesday endorsement, Paxton responded immediately on X, saying he was “incredibly honored” by the president’s support. Paxton wrote: “No one has ever fought harder for the American people than President Trump. ” and he added that he looks forward to championing Trump’s “America First agenda in the Senate!” In his post. Paxton also urged Texas voters to “get out and VOTE!”.

For Cornyn, the contrast is sharp. Trump’s endorsement post included a nod to Cornyn—he called him “a good man”—but said Cornyn was “not supportive of me when times were tough.” Trump wrote that John was “very late in backing me in what turned out to be a Historic Run for the Republican Nomination. and then. the Presidency. itself.”.

The runoff is already drawing attention for more than just loyalty and strategy. Paxton’s record has been a central part of the scrutiny leading up to the May matchup.

In 2023, Paxton was impeached in Texas on bribery and corruption charges, though the Texas Senate acquitted him. Then, in 2025, Paxton’s wife announced she was divorcing him, citing adultery and “biblical grounds.”

Whoever wins the Republican runoff will take on Democrat James Talarico in the fall.

Talarico has also faced unusual attention during his campaign. After he sat down for an interview on “The Late Show,” it was prevented from airing live, following what became a separate point of controversy.

In the tightest moments of Texas Republican power politics. Trump’s endorsement turns a narrow primary deadlock into a direct choice—one that ties Paxton’s bid to a specific legislative agenda built around the SAVE America Act and terminating the filibuster. while Cornyn is left to answer Trump’s complaint about timing and support.

Trump endorses Paxton Cornyn Texas Senate runoff SAVE America Act filibuster