Trump endorses Paxton in Texas, gambling on a challenger with baggage in a crucial race
Summary
President Donald Trump has endorsed Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in the Republican primary runoff against Senator John Cornyn. Paxton is a close ally of Trump but has faced multiple legal and ethical controversies, while Cornyn is a longtime Senate Republican leader.Key Facts
- President Trump supports Ken Paxton to challenge incumbent Senator John Cornyn in the Texas Republican primary runoff.
- Paxton has a history of legal troubles, including a federal corruption indictment settlement, impeachment by the Texas legislature, and a divorce amid allegations of affairs.
- Paxton backed Trump’s effort to overturn the 2020 election results and supported him during Trump’s 2024 trial.
- Many Senate Republicans, including Senators Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski, criticize Paxton for ethical issues and were disappointed by Trump’s endorsement.
- John Cornyn served in Senate Republican leadership from 2012 to 2024 and is seen as loyal to the party and Trump, but he delayed endorsing Trump’s 2024 re-election campaign.
- Cornyn and Paxton have clashed during the campaign over issues like gun regulation and immigration enforcement.
- Trump has recently endorsed challengers against other incumbent Republicans, such as Senator Bill Cassidy in Louisiana and Congressman Thomas Massie in Kentucky.
- Cornyn supporters argue that Paxton’s scandals and weaknesses could risk the Republican seat in a state that has historically voted Republican.
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