Ken Paxton added 13 state-level endorsements this week—bringing his backing among Texas leaders to about 250—as he intensifies his challenge to Sen. John Cornyn in a May GOP runoff. Cornyn500 current and former officials and national groups such as the NRSC. Both candidates are pursuing former President Donald Trump’s endorsement, which Trump has said may depend in part on progress on the SAVE America Act. The runoff winner will face Democrat James Talarico in the general election.
Paxton Gains Momentum With 13 New Texas Endorsements as Cornyn Runoff Intensifies
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and his rival, Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, are heading to a runoff in Texas, further extending their bruising primary battle until late May.(Getty Images)
The Republican runoff for the U.S. Senate in Texas has intensified as Attorney General Ken Paxton announced 13 additional state-level endorsements, a development his campaign says demonstrates renewed grassroots momentum against incumbent Sen. John Cornyn.
Paxton’s campaign said the new endorsements include state Senators Bob Hall and Donna Campbell, and state Representative Janis Holt, bringing his total support from Texas leaders to roughly 250. Previously reported supporters include U.S. Reps. Lance Gooden and Troy Nehls.
Texas Senate candidate James Talarico speaks at a campaign rally March 2, 2026, in Houston.
Paxton told Fox News Digital he was “honored to be endorsed by leaders all across the state who are fighting for Texas and our future,” and said the “momentum behind our campaign continues to grow stronger every single day.” He framed his candidacy around an “America First” agenda and pledged to continue the work he says he accomplished as attorney general.
Cornyn’s Institutional Support
Sen. John Cornyn, who has represented Texas in the Senate since 2002, emphasizes broad institutional backing. His campaign notes more than 500 current and former elected officials have endorsed him, along with support from national and local groups such as the National Republican Senatorial Committee, the National Border Patrol Council, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, and Texas businessman Jim "Mattress Mack" McIngvale.
Both candidates continue to vie for the all-important endorsement from President Donald Trump.
Matt Mackowiak, a senior adviser to Cornyn’s campaign, told Fox News Digital that Cornyn “will provide the strongest up-ballot support for all Republicans” and argued Paxton would be “down-ballot dead weight” if nominated.
Trump, The SAVE America Act And The Stakes Ahead
Both Republican campaigns are seeking the endorsement of former President Donald Trump. Trump has said he likes both contenders and has suggested his decision may hinge in part on Congressional progress on the SAVE America Act, a voting-integrity bill he has tied to his support.
The article also notes that Cornyn has recently shifted his prior stance against changing filibuster rules in order to allow consideration of the SAVE America Act—an issue that could factor into Republican unity and Trump’s eventual endorsement.
The runoff is scheduled for May. The winner of the GOP contest will face Democratic state Rep. James Talarico in the general election for the Senate seat, a race that both parties view as important to control of the chamber and to down-ballot outcomes in Texas.
Why It Matters: The intraparty fight between a well‑established senator and a populist challenger is shaping Republican messaging, fundraising and ground operations in Texas ahead of a high-stakes general election.
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