Senate Republicans fume over Trump backing Paxton in Texas race
Trump backed Ken Paxton over John Cornyn, and Senate Republicans voiced surprise and disappointment as the Texas primary fight intensified.
- On Tuesday, May 19, 2026, Trump endorsed Ken Paxton over Senator John Cornyn, claiming Cornyn lacked loyalty, a decision that immediately roiled the Senate.
- Political observers warn the move imperils Cornyn, potentially boosting Democratic challenger James Talarico while draining essential campaign funds from other competitive 2026 Senate races.
- News of the endorsement left many in the Senate speechless or visibly dismayed; Roger Wicker R-MS remained silent, Ron Johnson offered 'no comment,' and Senator John Hoeven appeared 'visibly dismayed.'
- Republican colleagues rallied to defend the incumbent, with LANKFORD stating, 'I'm a John Cornyn guy,' LeaderJohnThune praising Cornyn as a 'principled conservative,' and Mike Rounds expressing disappointment.
- Cassidy questioned the endorsement, noting he thought Paxton was a 'felon,' while SenTedCruz emphasized he is 'staying out of the race' regarding the contest.
94 Articles
94 Articles
From Louisiana to Kentucky, the candidates he supports have won their primaries. Successes that encourage the President to now take a big risk in Texas. ...
Inside the Senate’s Paxton Panic
President Trump’s endorsement of scandal-plagued Texas attorney general Ken Paxton over incumbent Sen. John Cornyn has sent shock waves through the Republican conference. As I wrote yesterday, the move could very well jeopardize Trump’s own legislative agenda—including funding for his White House ballroom—since Cornyn now has little reason to stay loyal to a president actively […] The post Inside the Senate’s Paxton Panic appeared first on Puck.
Trump’s influence on GOP primaries spurs ‘pretty sour’ feelings
The relationship between some Republicans and President Donald Trump could be taking a “pretty sour” turn as some GOP lawmakers primaried out of their congressional seats by White House-backed candidates explore a newfound freedom to vote their minds. That bodes poorly for Republicans’ efforts to unify and maintain their thin majority in Congress in the months to come, let alone pass the party’s key legislative priorities. “This is May 19,” said…
GOP Strategist Unleashes Fury On ‘RINO’ Senate Flunkies After Trump’s Endorsement
Caroline Wren sharply criticized Senate Republicans after President Trump endorsed Ken Paxton, highlighting a growing rift between the former president and established GOP members. Wren’s appearance on Bannon’s War Room provided a platform for her to draw attention to the senators she labeled as “RINOs,” or “Republicans In Name Only,” who she believes pose a threat to Trump’s agenda for the midterms. Wren accused these senators of a lack of loya…
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