Trump Backs Paxton Over Cornyn in Texas Senate Race
President Trump has endorsed Ken Paxton in a Texas Republican Senate runoff. Paxton is the Texas Attorney General.
Trump called Paxton an "America First Patriot" and "MAGA Warrior." Paxton is running against John Cornyn who is the current Texas senator. Many Republican senators had urged Trump to back Cornyn instead.
But Trump chose Paxton. The winner will face Democrat James Talarico in November.
Early voting started Monday May 19 and runs through Friday. Election Day is May 26.
Paxton was charged with bribery and corruption in 2023. He was found not guilty by the state Senate. Cornyn's campaign raised that history throughout the race.
Klear Note — Texas Senate seats are major positions in US government. Republican primary runoffs happen when no candidate gets enough votes in the first election.
Key Terms 4
- Runoff A second election held when no candidate wins outright first time
- Attorney General The top law officer of a state or country
- MAGA Stands for Make America Great Again — Trump's political slogan
- Acquitted Found not guilty of charges in a legal process