Trump Backs Paxton Over Cornyn In Fiery Texas Senate Runoff—Targeting Another GOP Incumbent

BreakingBusinessTrump Backs Paxton Over Cornyn In Fiery Texas Senate Runoff—Targeting Another GOP IncumbentByAntonio Pequeño IV,Forbes Staff. Pequeño is a breaking news reporter who covers tech and more.Follow AuthorMay 19, 2026, 01:59pm EDTToplinePresident Donald Trump on Tuesday announced his opposition to Sen. John Cornyn’s, R-Texas, attempted reelection to the Senate, placing his support behind Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in the state’s primary runoff.Cornyn is running for reelection. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)Getty ImagesKey FactsTrump called Cornyn a “good man,” but said the senator “was not supportive of me when times were tough.”Cornyn said in a tweet following Trump’s statement that Texas Republican voters must choose between “a strong nominee” equipped to defeat Democratic nominee James Talarico, “or a weak nominee who jeopardizes everything we care about.”Cornyn showed Trump support before failing to get his endorsement, pinning a photo of himself and the president on his X profile and saying on Monday he had a 99% voting record with Trump.Paxton, who Trump called a “true MAGA Warrior” in his statement, said he was “incredibly honored” to have the president’s endorsement.Trump also said in his endorsement of Paxton that Cornyn was “very late” in backing him for the Republican presidential nomination.Cornyn appeared to expect no endorsement from Trump, telling reporters on Monday, “I think that ship has finally sailed.”This is a developing story. Check back for updates.Got a tip? Share confidential information with Forbes.Editorial StandardsReprints & PermissionsLOADING VIDEO PLAYER...FORBES’ FEATURED Video