Trump-Backed Paxton Wins Texas Republican Senate Primary in a Romp, Setting Up Bitter Contest With Democrat James Talarico

John Cornyn, who has represented the state in the Senate for more than 23 years, says he will support the GOP ticket in November.

Ken Paxton, left, beat John Cornyn in a Republican primary runoff for Texas's U.S. Senate seat. — Ken Paxton, left, beat John Cornyn in a Republican primary runoff for Texas's U.S. Senate seat. Official portraits

MATTHEW RICE

May 27, 2026, 05:14 AM ET