Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has won the Republican Senate primary runoff against incumbent Senator John Cornyn, as projected by NBC News. Paxton will compete against Democratic state Representative James Talarico in the November election, which is significant for the Senate majority. Paxton received an endorsement from former President Donald Trump shortly before the runoff, which is believed to have contributed to his victory. Cornyn has served in the Senate since 2003 and faced Paxton after neither candidate secured over 50% of the vote in the initial primary in March.
Trump's backing of Paxton is part of a broader strategy to support candidates who align closely with his political stance, as seen in other recent primary challenges. Despite concerns from some Republican leaders about Paxton's past controversies, including impeachment on bribery and corruption charges in 2023, Paxton's team argues that he can mobilize Trump's supporters. Cornyn has stated his intention to support Paxton in the general election, despite some hesitance among Republicans due to Paxton's controversies.
Talarico has positioned his campaign against both GOP candidates, criticizing the influence of wealthy donors in politics and labeling Paxton as 'the most corrupt politician in America.' Talarico emphasizes a focus on working-class issues rather than party affiliation.