Senate Republicans are anxious about President Donald Trump's endorsement of Ken Paxton over John Cornyn in Texas' GOP primary, according to a new report.
Citing lawmakers in the Upper House, Politico detailed that they now believe Paxton has a clear shot at winning the nomination, a scenario that would set up a race against Democratic candidate James Talarico in the midterms.
Trump called Paxton in a social media publication an "America First Patriot, and someone who has always been extremely loyal to me and our AMAZING MAGA MOVEMENT."
Democrats were hoping for a matchup against Paxton, who has been leading in the polls and faced several controversies over the years and could be more unpalatable for moderate and independent voters.
He was indicted in 2015 on securities fraud charges stemming from allegations that he misled investors in a technology company. He denied wrongdoing and years later reached a deal with prosecutors that required him to pay nearly $300,000 in restitution and complete 100 hours of community service in exchange for the charges being dropped.
In 2020, eight senior aides accused Paxton of bribery and abuse of office, triggering an FBI investigation. After learning of the whistleblower complaints, Paxton fired four of the staffers, prompting additional retaliation lawsuits.
The allegations led the Texas House to impeach Paxton in 2023 on 20 articles. The Texas Senate later acquitted him on 16 charges and dismissed the remaining four, as reported by The Texas Tribune.
During the impeachment process, additional allegations surfaced, including claims that a real estate developer accused of bribery hired Paxton's alleged mistress in an effort to facilitate private meetings. Paxton's wife, state Sen. Angela Paxton, filed for divorce in 2025, citing "biblical grounds."
Senator Lisa Murkowski openly voiced her rejection of the endorsement, saying she was "supremely disappointed" with it as it "puts that seat in jeopardy." "How does that help strengthen the president's hand? I mean, we lose a state like Texas?" she said.
Senator Susan Collins, who has also challenged Trump on different issues, said Cornyn "deserved the president's support" and called Paxton an "ethically challenged individual."
Senate Majority Leader John Thune said the endorsement was Trump's "decision" and vowed to "continue to be supportive of Senator Cornyn and his reelection."
Paxton, on his end, said he was honored by the endorsement and pledged to "champion his America First agenda in the Senate," adding that he has consistently supported Trump while the "Washington establishment and career politicians like John Cornyn turned their back on the president."
