Trump-Backed Paxton Defeats Cornyn in Texas Senate Runoff

Ken Paxton, endorsed by Donald Trump, decisively defeated incumbent Senator John Cornyn in the Texas Republican primary runoff, winning all but two of the state's 254 counties. Paxton thanked Trump as 'the most powerful force in politics.' Cornyn, despite voting to acquit Trump in 2021, had criticized the Capitol riot and argued Trump should not run again in 2024, later backtracking to endorse him. Over $128 million was spent on advertising in the Senate race, with most supporting Cornyn. Senate Republicans spent $90 million defending Cornyn, and the internal GOP price tag for holding the seat is estimated at $250 million. Democratic nominee James Talarico raised $600,000 in the first two hours after Paxton's win, ending the first quarter with $27 million raised and $10 million cash-on-hand. Talarico aims to convert Cornyn supporters, citing his legislative record versus Paxton's criminal record (Paxton paid restitution and had securities fraud charges dropped). The Republican National Committee Chair Joe Gruters called Talarico a 'creep' and 'Talafreako' on Newsmax and Fox News. Talarico countered by referencing Paxton's plea deal for Adam Hoffman, an admitted child rapist. In the Democratic primary, AIPAC-backed Christian Menefee defeated Rep. Al Green in TX-18, with crypto-aligned super PAC Protect Progress spending $3.7 million. The New York Times/Siena poll shows Democrats leading among Hispanic voters 54% to 24%, suggesting Texas could become a battleground.