Paxton Rallies in Katy After Trump Backs Him in Senate

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton held a campaign rally in Katy on May 20, one day after President Donald Trump endorsed him in the Republican U.S. Senate primary runoff against incumbent Sen. John Cornyn. Early voting runs through May 22 ahead of the May 26 election. The endorsement arrives as Paxton pushes voters on energy and technology issues that directly affect Texas households and businesses.

Trump Endorsement Energizes Final Days of Runoff

Paxton opened the Katy event by asking the crowd if they had noticed the endorsement the day before. The timing gives him fresh momentum in a race that polls show remains close. Trump’s support targets the same base that delivered Paxton strong primary numbers earlier this year.

Cornyn has held the seat since 2002 and leads in fundraising. Paxton’s team now frames the contest as a choice between Trump-aligned energy policy and the incumbent’s record. The runoff draws attention because a Paxton win would send a vocal Trump ally to the Senate.

Paxton Backs AI Data Centers While Protecting Local Communities

Paxton has defended the rapid growth of AI data centers in Texas as essential to staying ahead of China in artificial intelligence. He told listeners that the state must excel in the technology race and cannot afford to fall behind. At the same time he acknowledged complaints about noise, power demand and water use near residential areas.

The attorney general said decisions on new facilities belong first to local officials and state legislators who know their districts. Counties such as Hood have asked Paxton for opinions on whether they can impose temporary moratoriums. He has not issued a formal opinion yet, leaving the legal question open as more projects move forward.

Paxton Ties Gas Prices to Broader Energy Failures

Paxton has criticized high gas prices as another symptom of federal policies that hurt Texas families. He links the issue to overregulation and insufficient domestic production. At campaign stops he contrasts his record of suing the Biden administration over energy rules with Cornyn’s longer tenure in Washington.

Voters in suburban areas like Katy hear these points alongside the Trump endorsement. Paxton argues that lower energy costs and reliable power for data centers both require the same approach: cut federal barriers and let Texas lead on production and infrastructure.

Key Dates Before May 26 Runoff

Paxton will hold additional events through the weekend. Cornyn continues his own schedule while defending his record on energy and national security. The winner will face the Democratic nominee in November.