Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., announced his endorsement of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton on the Hugh Hewitt show on Wednesday, May 27, 2026. This announcement came shortly after Paxton's victory in a contentious primary election in Texas. Thune emphasized the importance of supporting Paxton to maintain a Republican majority in the Senate, stating, "Ken Paxton is our nominee heading into November, and we got to pivot and go all in to make sure that we keep Texas red." Paxton will face Democratic nominee James Talarico in the upcoming election.
Thune's support follows a primary where many Senate Republicans had backed incumbent Senator John Cornyn. President Donald Trump's last-minute endorsement of Paxton surprised many within the GOP. Thune noted the significance of the Texas Senate seat for the Republican majority, asserting that losing the race would be detrimental to the party's goals. Other Senate Republicans, including Sen. Bernie Moreno, R-Ohio, and Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso, R-Wyo., have also endorsed Paxton, framing Talarico as a far-left candidate who poses a threat to Republican interests in Texas.