Ken Paxton defeats Sen. John Cornyn in U.S. Senate primary runoff
WASHINGTON (NBC, KYMA) - Ken Paxton has defeated incumbent Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas), winning the Republican nomination for his seat on U.S. Senate.
President Donald Trump backed Paxton over Sen. Cornyn just a week ago in his latest move to punish party lawmakers he believes aren't loyal enough, but the move has some GOP members worried that Paxton's win means the Senate seat could be at risk.
A Lone Star State showdown that could have a big impact on the balance of power in the Senate, tipping toward Paxton, who is the Texas Attorney General, who's now ousted Cornyn, who is a four-term incumbent, in a Republican runoff.
"We just sent a Texas-sized message to Washington," Paxton shared.
Paxton picked up a last-minute endorsement from President Trump, calling it, "The most powerful force in politics. And I'm honored to have his support."
It's the president's latest win backing challengers to unseat GOP incumbents he felt weren't loyal enough to him, also including Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY).
Cornyn stressed he'd voted with the president 99% of the time, even as he conceded.
"I trust the voters of Texas, and they've made their decision, and I must respect it," Cornyn expressed.
Paxton now squares off against Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico in November, and they're already trading blows.
"My opponent is the most extreme radical the Democrats have ever nominated," Paxton remarked.
"The most corrupt politician in America just became the Republican nominee for the United States Senate," Talarico spoke.
Paxton has faced high-profile scandals, including a 2023 impeachment by the Republican-controlled State House, though the State Senate acquitted him, and a messy public divorce, with his wife citing "biblical grounds."
Democrats are hoping to capitalize on what they now see as a vulnerable seat in deep red Texas while Paxton argues he can energize the Trump base.
Even though the president is not on the ballot, his power over the party still is.
Several Republican senators have voiced concerns about Paxton's strength in a general election matchup.
The non-partisan analyst, Cook Political Report, shifted its odds on the race toward Democrats, now calling it "Lean Republican" instead of "Likely Republican," citing a controversial candidate.
