In a significant political maneuver, former President Donald Trump has once again thrown his weight behind Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in the crucial Republican Senate runoff election. Trump's endorsement, delivered via Truth Social, lauded Paxton's steadfast loyalty during his presidency while simultaneously castigating incumbent Senator John Cornyn as "very disloyal." This endorsement highlights the ongoing ideological divisions within the Republican party, particularly concerning allegiance to the "MAGA" movement and the pursuit of election-related reforms.
Trump's Intervention in Texas Senate Race
On a Sunday in late May 2026, former President Donald Trump took to Truth Social to voice his strong support for Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who is vying for a Senate seat. Trump hailed Paxton as an exceptional Attorney General, possibly the nation's finest, while sharply criticizing Senator John Cornyn, whom he labeled "very disloyal" throughout his presidential term. Trump further alleged that Democrats were unfairly targeting him with governmental "weaponization" efforts, commending Paxton for his unwavering support during these challenges. "He stood by your favorite President, ME, as Democrats tried their ultimate weaponization game and failed, bigly!" Trump declared. The former president leveraged his endorsement to advocate for key election reforms, such as strict voter identification, proof of citizenship mandates, and restrictions on mail-in ballots, policies he has consistently championed since the 2020 election. He specifically criticized Cornyn for not vigorously supporting the "SAVE AMERICA ACT," a legislative push for these voting integrity measures. Trump concluded his message with a direct appeal to Republican voters: "Cast your vote for Ken Paxton this Tuesday, he will never disappoint you!!!" Senator Cornyn's office did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding these statements. This marked the second instance in a week that Trump publicly endorsed Paxton, effectively diminishing Cornyn's position before the GOP primary runoff. Trump reiterated on social media that Paxton is a "true MAGA Warrior" who has consistently delivered for Texas and will continue to do so in the U.S. Senate. This high-profile intervention has caused considerable consternation among some Senate Republicans, who expressed their disappointment over Trump's decision to support Paxton over Cornyn. Senator Susan Collins, a Republican from Maine, described Paxton as "ethically challenged" and affirmed that Cornyn is an "outstanding senator" who deserved the former president's backing, expressing her disappointment despite acknowledging Trump's prerogative.
This political endorsement underscores the persistent influence of former President Trump within the Republican Party and his strategy of prioritizing personal loyalty and specific policy agendas, particularly regarding election integrity. It also brings to light the internal rifts and differing loyalties among Republican lawmakers, some of whom continue to align with Trump's populist base, while others maintain a more traditional conservative stance. The outcome of this Texas Senate runoff will not only determine a key legislative position but also serve as a barometer for the future direction of the Republican Party and the continued impact of Trump's endorsement power.