POLITICS

Cornyn Paxton Clash in Television-Heavy Texas Runoff Race

PUBLISHED May 25, 2026, 9:32 AM ET

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Media Bias Meter

Sources: 11

Center 100%

Sources: 11

Plano, Texas. Republican Sen. John Cornyn and state Attorney General Ken Paxton competed in a Tuesday runoff for the GOP U.S. Senate nomination after a yearlong primary, with both candidates largely absent from public events on Monday and instead relying on television advertising that has topped $109 million during the contest. San Antonio and other locations saw campaign activity earlier this week: Cornyn held a non-campaign recognition event and last campaigned publicly in Corpus Christi on Friday, while Paxton held final events Thursday in the Austin area and San Antonio; President Donald Trump's May 19 endorsement and rapid pro-Paxton ad buys arrived during early voting, shaping late outreach and turnout efforts.

By Michael Grant | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

Yearlong GOP primary culminated in a runoff between Cornyn and Paxton.
Campaign television advertising escalated, reported between roughly $90 million and $109 million.
May 19: President Trump endorsed Ken Paxton during early voting.
Thursday–Friday: Paxton and Cornyn held their last public campaign stops; super PAC ads circulated.
Monday: both candidates had few or no public events; Tuesday: runoff election scheduled.

News Intelligence

This Texas runoff race could impact your rights and community. It's a high-stakes contest with big money involved. Check your local listings for campaign ads. And remember: your vote counts.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 11
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 11

Who Benefited

Pro-Paxton groups and supporters of President Trump benefited from the late endorsement and rapid ad buys that amplified Paxton's message and provided momentum during early voting.

Who Impacted

Sen. John Cornyn faced political risk as Trump's endorsement and concentrated opposition advertising narrowed his path to the GOP nomination and could cost him votes in the runoff.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 11
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 11
Distribution:: Left 0%, Center 100%, Right 0%

Who Benefited

Pro-Paxton groups and supporters of President Trump benefited from the late endorsement and rapid ad buys that amplified Paxton's message and provided momentum during early voting.

Who Impacted

Sen. John Cornyn faced political risk as Trump's endorsement and concentrated opposition advertising narrowed his path to the GOP nomination and could cost him votes in the runoff.