Trump-backed Paxton dominates Cornyn in Texas Senate primary, signaling Trump's GOP influence

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, backed by Donald Trump, has decisively won the Republican primary runoff for U.S. Senate, unseating four-term incumbent Senator John Cornyn. The victory, which occurred on May 26, 2026, marks a significant shake-up within Texas GOP politics and underscores former President Trump's continued influence over the party.

Paxton's win represents a considerable blow to the Republican establishment, as Cornyn was a long-serving senator and a key figure in Washington. His defeat makes him the first U.S. Senator from Texas to lose a primary to a fellow Republican since 1970. The contentious and costly race now sets the stage for Paxton to face Democratic state Representative James Talarico in the November general election.