Tillis: Trump's Endorsement Of Ken Paxton Was A 'Colossal Mistake' That Risks Texas Senate Seat

Senator Thom Tillis sharply criticized former President Donald Trump's decision to endorse Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton over incumbent Senator John Cornyn in the Republican primary, calling the move a "colossal mistake" that could put the GOP's Senate seat in Texas at risk.

Tillis Calls Trump's Move An 'Unforced Error'

Speaking on CNN's State of the Union after Paxton defeated Cornyn in the May primary, Tillis—a North Carolina Republican who has often broken with Trump—said the president's late intervention was an "unforced error." He added that "John Cornyn's a great member of the US Senate. Paxton has his challenges," and argued Republicans would be forced to spend tens or even hundreds of millions in Texas to defend the seat if Paxton remains the nominee.

'He made a colossal mistake,' Tillis said, describing the endorsement as a strategic misstep that amplifies the risk to the seat.

Trump announced his endorsement days before Paxton defeated Cornyn, a four-term senator. Paxton will face Democrat James Talarico, a state legislator and pastor, in the November 3 general election—a contest with national implications for both parties heading into the midterms.

Paxton's Legal And Personal Troubles

Paxton arrives in the general election burdened by multiple controversies. He was impeached by the Texas House in 2023 on corruption-related charges and later acquitted by the Texas Senate. He also faced an indictment on felony securities fraud that was dismissed after a 2024 pretrial diversion agreement. In July 2025, Angela Paxton filed for divorce after 38 years of marriage, citing adultery.

Broader Political Context

Tillis has regularly broken with Trump on several major issues. In April he defended NATO after Trump said he was "absolutely" considering withdrawing the United States from the alliance, warning that any attempt to pull out would undermine U.S. security and play into the hands of strategic rivals. He has also publicly criticized homeland security leadership and called for greater accountability after high-profile incidents related to immigration enforcement.

On foreign policy, Tillis was among a small group of Republicans who supported a Democrat-led war powers resolution aimed at limiting U.S. military action related to Iran; the measure failed in the Senate by a 49-50 vote.

Why it matters: The Texas Senate race will test whether Trump-endorsed candidates can hold competitive swing or traditionally Republican seats, and it highlights intra-party divisions that could shape the midterm landscape.