John Cornyn took 42 percent in the March 3 primary while Ken Paxton finished with 40.5 percent, forcing a May 26 Republican runoff that now features President Donald Trump’s endorsement of Paxton. Early voting is already underway across Texas, and the two candidates are trading attacks while making final campaign stops in the Houston area.
Trump endorsement shifts momentum toward Paxton
Trump endorsed Paxton on May 19, the same day early voting began for the runoff. The move gives Paxton a clear advantage in a primary electorate that has grown more aligned with the president since 2020. Cornyn has served in the Senate since 2002 and holds the top Republican leadership post, yet he now must defend his record against a challenger backed by the party’s dominant national figure.
The endorsement arrives at a moment when polls show Paxton ahead. A University of Houston Hobby School survey of likely Republican primary voters found Paxton leading Cornyn 48 percent to 45 percent. That narrow edge reflects Paxton’s strength among voters who prioritize Trump loyalty over Cornyn’s institutional experience and committee influence.
Primary results set up a close contest
The March primary produced a three-way split that left no candidate with a majority. Rep. Wesley Hunt captured the remaining 13.5 percent and was eliminated, sending the top two finishers into the runoff. Those numbers established Cornyn as the slight front-runner on paper but also revealed Paxton’s ability to consolidate support quickly once the field narrowed.
| Candidate | March 3 Primary Share |
|---|---|
| John Cornyn | 42% |
| Ken Paxton | 40.5% |
| Wesley Hunt | 13.5% |
Cornyn’s incumbency has not translated into a commanding lead. Paxton’s base has proven durable, and the attorney general has used his statewide profile to keep the race competitive despite Cornyn’s longer tenure and larger donor network.
