Texas GOP Primary: Paxton beats Cornyn after Trump's support on May 26

Ken Paxton won the Texas GOP primary on Tuesday, May 26, 2026. He beat Senator John Cornyn after getting Donald Trump's support. This is a big win for Trump's influence.
By Newsroom | Politics, Texas |

Ken Paxton, the current Texas Attorney General and an ultraconservative candidate backed by Donald Trump, has defeated incumbent Senator John Cornyn in the Republican primaries held on Tuesday, May 26, 2026. The outcome of this contest in the deeply conservative state underscores Trump's enduring sway over Republican political careers, even as his broader influence faces challenges.

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This victory, propelled by Trump's endorsement, positions Paxton to run for a Senate seat in the upcoming November midterm elections, a development that has left some within the Republican Party apprehensive. The race was marked by significant financial expenditure, with reports indicating over $90 million spent by Cornyn's campaign alone, amidst a total campaign spending that may have set historical records for a US primary.

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Paxton, 63, has cultivated a reputation as a staunch conservative on issues spanning immigration, abortion, religion, and gun rights. His alignment with Trump, however, comes with a shadow of controversy. He faces accusations of corruption, and his hardline stances, particularly against the LGBTQ+ community, have drawn considerable attention.

Read More: Christian Menefee Wins Texas Primary Runoff, Ousts Al Green

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The implications of Paxton's win are not lost on the opposition. Democrats are reportedly "jubilant," seeing his nomination as a potential opening to secure a Senate seat in Texas for the first time in over three decades. Warnings had been issued by some Republican leaders, including Senate Majority Leader John Thune, that challenging incumbent senators could prove detrimental in the midterm elections, potentially complicating the implementation of their party's agenda.

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This primary contest in Texas serves as a potent illustration of Trump's influence in the post-presidency era. Despite potential erosion in his grip on the Capitol, evidenced by frustrations over foreign policy and domestic initiatives, his ability to shape primary outcomes remains a significant factor in Republican politics. The decision to back Paxton over a sitting senator who had previously diverged from Trump's line signals a clear message from the former president regarding loyalty and ideological adherence.

Read More: Trump-backed candidate wins GOP nomination in new district

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who won the Texas GOP primary on Tuesday, May 26, 2026?
Ken Paxton won the Republican primary in Texas on Tuesday, May 26, 2026. He beat the current Senator John Cornyn. This means Paxton will run for the Senate in November.
Q: Why did Ken Paxton win the Texas GOP primary?
Ken Paxton won because he had the support of Donald Trump. Trump's endorsement helped Paxton get more votes than Senator Cornyn.
Q: How much money was spent in the Texas GOP primary?
Over $90 million was spent by John Cornyn's campaign alone. The total amount spent in the race may have been a record for a US primary.
Q: What does Ken Paxton's win mean for the Senate race in November?
Democrats are happy because they think Paxton's nomination is a chance for them to win a Senate seat in Texas. Some Republican leaders worried that challenging an incumbent senator could hurt their party's goals.
Q: What is Ken Paxton known for?
Ken Paxton is known for being a strong conservative. He has strict views on immigration, abortion, religion, and gun rights. He also faces accusations of corruption and has taken hardline stances against the LGBTQ+ community.