Overview
- President Trump endorsed Attorney General Ken Paxton on May 19 during early voting, and prediction markets and some polls moved sharply in Paxton’s favor within 24 to 48 hours.
- With the May 26 runoff one day away, both campaigns kept a low public profile on May 25 while television and digital advertising continued after more than $100 million in total spending.
- Senator John Cornyn remains in the contest and is stressing electability and Paxton’s record as reasons to reject him, and several Senate Republicans have publicly warned that Paxton’s baggage could cost the seat.
- Paxton’s controversies include a 2015 securities‑fraud indictment later resolved through a diversion agreement, a 2023 impeachment by the Texas House followed by acquittal in the state Senate, and costly whistleblower settlements from his office.
- The runoff winner will face Democrat James Talarico in November, and analysts say a Paxton victory would signal stronger Trump‑aligned control of the GOP and could alter turnout and down‑ballot dynamics that affect Senate control.