HOUSTON — President Donald Trump endorsed Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton on Tuesday in the Republican primary runoff for U.S. Senate, intensifying the challenge to incumbent Sen. John Cornyn ahead of the May 26 election.
Trump announced the endorsement on social media, calling Paxton a “MAGA Warrior” and saying he would “continue to do so in the United States Senate.” The endorsement was announced during a Paxton campaign event in Allen, Texas, where supporters reacted with cheers.
Paxton thanked Trump during the event and said he appreciated the endorsement.
The endorsement comes as Paxton and Cornyn compete in a runoff after neither candidate secured a majority in the March 3 Republican primary. Early voting began Monday and continues through Friday.
Cornyn responded on social media by highlighting his voting record with Trump and said he had “consistently called me a friend in this race.” He also argued that Paxton would be a weaker candidate in the general election against Democratic state Rep. James Talarico.
Trump said Cornyn had supported his agenda but criticized him for being slow to back him in earlier political contests.
The endorsement deepens a Republican primary fight that has divided GOP leaders, with Cornyn’s allies warning that a Paxton nomination could make the seat more difficult to defend in November.
The runoff election is scheduled for May 26.
