Trump's Endorsement Propels Scandal-Plagued Paxton to Texas Senate Showdown

Ken Paxton ousts Senator John Cornyn for the Republican Senate nomination in Texas, leveraging Donald Trump's endorsement. The victory sets the stage for a high-profile and potentially costly general election against Democrat James Talarico in November. The race could impact Senate control, presenting challenges for the Republican establishment.

Ken Paxton triumphed over four-term U.S. Senator John Cornyn for the Republican Senate nomination in Texas, bolstered by former President Donald Trump's endorsement. The result, projected by U.S. media shortly after polls closed, marks a significant victory for Paxton amidst scandal and sets the stage for his face-off with Democrat James Talarico.

Paxton's win challenges the Republican political establishment, which had backed Cornyn. This crucial victory forces Cornyn into an early retirement and raises stakes for Republicans in Washington to support Paxton, whom they have long opposed.

This November, Paxton will go head-to-head against Talarico, a Democratic state Representative and prominent fundraiser. Political experts anticipate this race could influence control of the Senate, making it one of the most expensive in U.S. history.