MAGA triumph: Trump ally Ken Paxton defeats John Cornyn in bitter Texas GOP primary war Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, endorsed by President Trump, has won the Republican Senate primary runoff against incumbent Sen. John Cornyn. The race became the most expensive in history and served as a test of Trump’s influence within the GOP. Paxton now faces Democratic state Rep. James Talarico in the general election, a race that could impact the balance of power in the Senate.

• Ken Paxton defeated Sen. John Cornyn in the Texas Republican Senate primary runoff, securing Trump’s endorsement.
• The primary was the most expensive in history and demonstrated Trump’s significant influence over the GOP.
• Paxton will face Democratic state Rep. James Talarico in the general election, a race crucial for Republican Senate majority.
• Trump had previously backed Paxton, calling him a “MAGA Warrior” who has “ALWAYS delivered for Texas.”
• Paxton criticized Talarico, labeling him a “threat” to Texas values and security, and advocating for stricter border policies.
• Cornyn had expressed concerns that Paxton’s scandals could jeopardize the Senate seat for Republicans.