In a televised interview on Newsmax’s “Finnerity” program, former president Donald trump reiterated that he has no second thoughts about supporting Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in the upcoming U.S. Senate race. When asked whether he regretted siding with Paxton over incumbent Sen. John Cornyn Trump responded emphatically, “No, because I think Cornyn would have lost.” The blunt comment underscored the president’s belief that his endorsement is the decisive factor in the closely watched runoff.
Trump’s post on Truth Social amplified the same message, targeting both Cornyn and veteran GOP strategist Karl Rove. He accused them of “doing everything possible to make it hard” for Paxton, labeling the two as “weak and ineffective political hacks.” The former president urged loyal Republican voters, especially those who previously backed Cornyn, to immediately switch their support to Paxton, framing the switch as a moral imperative for preserving Texas-sized conservatism.
Trump’s endorsement strategy and public statements
The endorsement arrived just days before early voting opens on Oct. 19 a timing move that analysts say was intended to sway undecided Republicans. In a celebratory speech after winning the runoff on May 26, 2026, Paxton thanked Trump, calling the endorsement “the most powerful force in politics.” He vowed to advance the former president’s agenda, positioning himself as the true heir to Trump’s brand of Texas populism. By contrast, Cornyn, who led the March primary with 42% of the vote to Paxton’s 40%, has remained silent about the newer challenger, opting only to affirm his commitment to the Republican ticket without naming Paxton.
Cornyn and Rove’s response: intra-party tensions
Both Cornyn and Rove have resisted Trump’s call for a unified front. In August, Cornyn told a Texas-based outlet that he would not funnel campaign money to Paxton and described the attorney general as “lazy” and a “poor campaigner.” Rove, once a senior adviser to President George W. Bush, declined to disclose his voting intentions, but during the Texas Tribune Festival in September he highlighted the lingering scandals surrounding Paxton. Rove cited allegations from Paxton’s impeachment trial, noting the former official’s alleged multiple girlfriends and a $200,000 home-improvement package from a businessman with whom he allegedly exchanged favors.
Rove’s commentary extended beyond personal attacks. He suggested that the Senate contest would have been “over” if Cornyn had prevailed in the primary, implying that the party’s internal discord could jeopardize its broader goals. Both men have also broken ranks in a separate race for Texas railroad commissioner, with Rove indicating he would vote for Democratic candidate Jon Rosenthal and Cornyn hinting at a possible blank ballot, citing racist remarks from Republican candidate Bo French.
Senate race outlook and early-voting timeline
Polls released in early October consistently show Democratic State Rep. James Talarico holding a single-digit lead over Paxton—a rarity in statewide Texas contests that have favored Republicans for three decades. Early voting, set to begin on Oct. 19 adds urgency to the campaign’s final push. The race has already become the most expensive Senate primary in history, with over $165 million spent on advertising, according to AdImpact data.
The National Republican Senatorial Committee, which backed Cornyn, issued a vague statement warning that a Trump-endorsed Paxton could jeopardize the seat. Meanwhile, the Republican National Committee and other GOP operatives have rallied behind the former president’s pick, emphasizing the need to keep a conservative foothold in the Senate. As the November general election approaches, the intertwined narratives of personal scandal, intra-party rivalry, and strategic endorsements will determine whether Texas remains a GOP bastion or flips to the left.
