Former President Donald Trump endorsed Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton on May 19, 2026, in a move that bolsters Paxton’s bid to unseat Senator Ted Cruz in the GOP primary. The endorsement, announced via a campaign event in Dallas, marks a pivotal moment in a race seen as critical to Texas’ political future.
Trump’s Endorsement and Its Implications
Trump’s public backing of Paxton, delivered at a rally in front of a crowd of over 2,000 supporters, underscores the former president’s continued influence within the Republican Party. “Ken Paxton is a fighter, and he’s going to win,” Trump said, according to a transcript shared by the campaign. “Texas needs leaders who stand up to the far left, and Ken is one of them.”
“Ken Paxton is a fighter, and he’s going to win.”
Donald Trump, former U.S. President
The endorsement comes as Paxton, a two-term attorney general, faces Cruz in a primary that has drawn national attention. Cruz, a 14-year incumbent, has framed the race as a battle over “establishment values,” while Paxton’s campaign has focused on anti-establishment rhetoric and judicial reforms. Trump’s involvement is expected to energize conservative voters, particularly in rural and suburban districts where his base remains strong.
Paxton’s Strategy and Political Background
Paxton, 54, has built his political career on a record of prosecuting corruption cases and advocating for conservative judicial policies. His 2022 re-election as attorney general was marked by a 58% vote share, according to Texas Secretary of State records. However, his campaign for the Senate has faced challenges, including scrutiny over his 2021 criminal trial for perjury and witness tampering—a case that resulted in a suspended sentence and probation.
“Ken’s resilience and commitment to justice make him the right choice for Texas,” said Texas GOP Chairwoman Susan Hays in a statement. “Trump’s endorsement validates his fight against the liberal elite in Washington.”
Cruz’s campaign has responded by emphasizing his legislative record, including his role in the 2023 Texas Heartbeat Act and opposition to federal climate regulations. A recent internal memo from Cruz’s team, obtained by The Texas Tribune, states, “Paxton’s legal troubles and lack of national experience make him unqualified for the Senate.”
Cornyn’s Response and Campaign Dynamics
Incumbent Senator John Cornyn, who represents Texas in the Senate, has not yet issued a direct response to the endorsement. However, his team has warned that Paxton’s candidacy could fracture the GOP’s unity. “This race isn’t just about replacing Ted Cruz—it’s about protecting the conservative majority in Texas,” said Cornyn spokesperson Emily Lin in a statement. “We’re focused on the issues that matter to Texans, not political theater.”
The primary, scheduled for March 5, 2024, is one of the most competitive in the state’s history. Polls from late May 2026 show Paxton trailing Cruz by 12 points, though Trump’s endorsement has narrowed the gap in some surveys. Independent analysts note that the race could hinge on voter turnout and the effectiveness of grassroots mobilization efforts.
What Comes Next
With the GOP primary now a central focus, both campaigns are ramping up fundraising and advertising. Paxton’s team has raised over $12 million since January 2026, according to Federal Election Commission filings, while Cruz’s campaign has secured $18 million in donations. The race’s outcome could have broader implications for the 2026 midterm elections, as Texas’ Senate seat is a key battleground for control of the chamber.
As of May 19, 2026, no new developments have emerged from the campaigns.
