President Donald Trump criticized Texas Senator John Cornyn for being “VERY disloyal” on social media, as Cornyn backed his opponent in the Senate primary runoff. Trump’s support went to Attorney General Ken Paxton. Trump accused Cornyn of not supporting the SAVE AMERICA ACT which emphasized voter ID, proof of citizenship, and restrictions on mail-in ballots except for the military, illness, disability, or travel. Trump urged voters to support Paxton, praising him as a “GREAT Attorney General” and loyal ally.
Trump’s endorsement strengthens Paxton’s chances, adding to Trump’s record of successfully influencing elections to favor candidates more aligned with him. Representative Thomas Massie and Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy lost to Trump-backed candidates recently.
On NewsNation’s The Hill, Cornyn distanced himself from Massie and Cassidy, asserting his history as a Trump ally, while recognizing Trump’s endorsement of Paxton as frustration-driven. He explained his selective support of Trump’s agenda.
Why the Race Matters
The Texas runoff winner will face Democratic state Representative James Talarico in November’s general election. Talarico, who combines faith-based talk and progressive politics, is backed strongly statewide. Despite Texas’s history of voting Republican, Talarico poses a significant challenge.
Due to the tight general election, establishment Republicans support Cornyn as they view Paxton’s controversial past as a liability. Paxton faced legal and ethical issues, including a resolved felony securities fraud case and a $6.6 million settlement over corruption allegations. The Republican-led Texas House impeached him in 2023, but the state Senate acquitted him. Paxton denies all wrongdoing.
Thune Backs Cornyn
Senate Majority Leader John Thune supports Cornyn, despite Trump endorsing Paxton. Thune stated that Trump’s endorsement doesn’t change his stance and emphasized his support for Cornyn’s reelection, praising him as a principled conservative and effective senator.
Thune highlighted the GOP’s challenging task of defending 24 seats compared to Democrats’ nine, but remains confident about their election prospects, noting the importance of quality candidates.
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