Republicans race to back Ken Paxton as runoff sets up closely-watched US Senate battle in Texas

Donald Trump moves quickly to unite Republicans behind the Texas attorney general as Democrats eye rare opening

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Republican leaders rushed to throw their weight behind Ken Paxton following his big primary victory in Texas over the four-term US senator, John Cornyn, amid anxiety within the party over his prospects in November’s general election.

Hours after the race was called, Donald Trump – who backed Paxton, despite intense concern among establishment Republicans – took to Truth Social to attack his Democratic rival in the midterm elections.