Donald Trump has finally made his move in the Texas Senate race. After months of hesitation, the president threw his full weight behind scandal-plagued Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, effectively abandoning four-term incumbent John Cornyn.
The endorsement dropped via Truth Social on Sunday. "Ken Paxton has gone through a lot, in many cases, very unfairly, but he is a Fighter, and knows how to WIN," Trump wrote.
Trump had praised Cornyn as a "good man" in past remarks. But he accused Cornyn of failing to support him "when times were tough," then pivoted to praise Paxton's "extremely loyal" record on MAGA priorities.
Paxton responded immediately on X: "No one has ever fought harder for the American people than President Trump."
The runoff is scheduled for Tuesday, May 26. Cornyn narrowly edged Paxton in March's primary, but that margin proved insufficient. Paxton's record includes impeachment by the Texas House, accusations of infidelity from his wife, and professional misconduct allegations. He has filed election fraud suits supporting Trump's claims, pushed for eminent domain seizures for border wall construction, and threatened doctors over abortion restrictions.
Trump had earlier suggested both candidates drop out and unite for the general election against Democrat James Talarico. He instead chose Paxton.
