Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has been projected to win the Republican nomination for the U.S. Senate, defeating incumbent Senator John Cornyn in a closely watched primary runoff. The Associated Press announced the projection on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, following a race that saw a late-stage endorsement from former President Donald Trump.

Paxton will now face Democratic state Representative James Talarico in the November general election, in a contest that could be significant in determining control of the U.S. Senate. Cornyn, who was first elected in 2002, had been a long-serving member of the Senate.

President Trump's endorsement of Paxton last week was seen as a pivotal moment in the runoff. In his victory speech, Paxton thanked Trump for his unwavering support, stating that the former president's endorsement is the most powerful force in politics. Paxton emphasized that Trump stood by him and the people of Texas when others advised him to withdraw his support.

The implications of this victory extend to the broader fight for Senate control. The Republican party will rally behind Paxton, though some within the party had expressed concerns about his past controversies potentially jeopardizing the seat. The National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) issued a statement focusing on the general election opponent, Talarico, labeling him a "radical leftist" and asserting that Texas will not elect him.

The primary runoff was exceptionally expensive, with over $165 million spent on advertising, making it the most costly Senate primary election on record, according to AdImpact. Cornyn had narrowly led the field in the March primary, securing 42% of the vote compared to Paxton's 40%, which necessitated the runoff.

Despite the late endorsement, Trump had previously praised Cornyn as a "good man" but suggested the senator had not been supportive enough in the past. This sentiment appeared to sway the outcome in favor of Paxton.

Several incumbent Republicans endorsed by Trump have successfully ousted opponents in recent primaries, underscoring the former president's influence. However, Cornyn had the backing of the NRSC and many of his Senate colleagues, some of whom reportedly worried that Paxton's legal and personal controversies could make the Texas seat vulnerable.

In his concession remarks, Cornyn stated he respects the voters' decision and indicated his continued support for the Republican ticket in the general election, though he did not mention Paxton by name. The focus now shifts to the general election matchup between Paxton and Talarico.