Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton achieved a significant victory in the Republican Senate primary runoff, largely thanks to President Trump’s unexpected endorsement.
Throughout the 2026 midterm primary season, Trump’s backing has proven crucial for Republican figures contesting local and state positions.
Here are some key observations from this Texas race.
Paxton regards Trump as ‘a powerful force in politics’
Paxton, who placed second in the March 3 primary, experienced a boost from Trump’s support, leading to an impressive 27-point win over incumbent Senator John Cornyn (R-Texas), securing 63.8% of the votes compared to Cornyn’s 36.2%.
“Everyone in Washington told me to abandon me and the people of Texas, but he didn’t listen,” Paxton remarked, praising Trump for his unwavering support.
This victory marks Paxton’s third significant win over notable figures in just ten days, following the losses of Senator Bill Cassidy (R-Louisiana) and Representative Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), highlighting Trump’s remarkable influence within the Republican Party.
Trump’s endorsement potentially ends Cornyn’s political journey
Before Trump’s endorsement, Cornyn was already fighting for his political future in a challenging Senate primary in Texas.
In his concession speech, the seasoned lawmaker appeared reflective, emphasizing his 40-plus years of public service as an “incredible journey.”
“I just want to thank everyone who has worked with me over the years,” Cornyn shared.
He also quoted scripture, saying, “I fought the good fight, I finished the race, I kept the faith,” and pledged his support to Paxton as he prepares to face Democratic candidate James Talarico in the November elections.
Controversial sex therapist eliminated in primary election
Maureen Galindo, a sex therapist who made alarming statements about “American Zionists,” was decisively defeated by Johnny Garcia in the runoff for Texas’s 35th Congressional District.
In a statement made on May 20, Representatives Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.) and Jared Moskowitz (D-Fla.) expressed intentions to pursue an expulsion vote against Galindo should she become elected.
House Democrats criticized Galindo’s extreme views, labeling them as anti-Semitic and declaring that such sentiments have no place in their party or the nation.
Incumbent Democratic representatives lose in newly drawn districts
Representatives Al Green (D-Texas) and Julie Johnson (D-Texas) faced defeat in their primary runoff elections as Texas’s new congressional maps forced them to compete in different districts.
Johnson, representing Texas’s 32nd District, ran for the 33rd District but was overtaken by former Congressman Colin Allred.
Green, who represented the 9th District, contested in the 18th District but lost to fellow Representative Christian Menefee (D-Texas).
Both districts are viewed as staunchly Democratic according to the nonpartisan Cook Political Report.
