Trump backs Ken Paxton in Texas Senate primary runoff

Donald Trump endorsed Ken Paxton on Tuesday in the United States Senate primary runoff, backing the hardline Texas Attorney General over veteran incumbent John Cornyn. The runoff takes place in one of the country's most expensive primary contests ahead of the November midterm elections. Paxton faces Cornyn after neither secured a majority in the March primary.

### Trump Forces a Choice in Texas Trump's decision follows a three-way March primary where neither candidate secured a majority, forcing the May 26 runoff. The former president previously stated in March that he would ask the non-endorsed candidate to exit the race. This endorsement aims to consolidate the conservative base around Paxton, who has built a following through attacks on Texas immigration groups and what he calls illegal voting.