Cornyn and Paxton go head-to-head in Texas Republican Senate primary after Trump endorsement

Senator John Cornyn, a Republican from Texas (L) and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. Eddie Seal | Bloomberg | Polls are open in the Republican Senate primary runoff in Texas as incumbent Sen. John Cornyn tries to fend off a primary challenge from state Attorney General Ken Paxton , who has the backing of President Donald Trump . The winner of the Republican runoff will face off against Democratic state legislator James Talarico in the general election in November. The race is expected to be one of the most expensive in the nation as the GOP vies to keep control of the Senate and Democrats push to win a long-sought Senate seat in Texas. Cornyn came out narrowly on top of Paxton in the March primary, but failed to garner enough votes to avoid a runoff. Trump's endorsement of Paxton last week sent shockwaves through the Republican-controlled Senate, which has poured significant resources into Cornyn's reelection bid. Cornyn also took extensive steps to mend his relationship with Trump, which has been strained over the years. The Republican primary in Texas has been among the messiest of the 2026 campaign cycle. Cornyn's campaign has slammed Paxton, a close Trump ally, over a slew of ethical and legal scandals that have plagued him and his office throughout his tenure as the Lone Star State's top law enforcement official. Paxton was impeached by the Texas House of Representatives and acquitted by the Senate and has been indicted for securities fraud. …