POLITICS

Texas GOP runoffs set after March primary deadlock

PUBLISHED May 25, 2026, 10:31 AM ET

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Media Bias Meter

Sources: 9

Center 100%

Sources: 9

Washington. Voters in Texas will hold a Republican primary runoff on Tuesday after no candidate secured a majority in the March 3 primary; top vote-getter John Cornyn faces Attorney General Ken Paxton, who received President Donald Trump's endorsement on May 19, and the contest occurs alongside multiple congressional and state runoffs. The outcome will determine the GOP nominee who advances to the November general election and could reshape party dynamics; Democrats have signaled increased optimism about an electoral opportunity, and Georgia runoffs following May primaries set absentee and early-voting deadlines (absentee by June 5, early voting June 7–12) affecting turnout logistics and planning.

By Lauren Mitchell | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

March 3: Texas primary produced no majority; John Cornyn led the field.
May 19: President Donald Trump publicly endorsed Ken Paxton for the Texas runoff.
May (post-primary): Georgia primaries triggered multiple runoffs where candidates did not surpass 50 percent.
Runoff day (Tuesday): Texas Republican U.S. Senate primary runoff held between Cornyn and Paxton.
June 5–12: Georgia absentee request deadline (June 5) and early-voting window (June 7–12) for runoffs.

News Intelligence

The Texas GOP runoff could shift party dynamics, affecting policies that impact your daily life. If you're in Georgia, remember to request your absentee ballot by June 5 or plan for early voting from June 7–12.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 9
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 9

Who Benefited

Candidates endorsed by former President Trump, including Ken Paxton after his May 19 endorsement, may consolidate support among pro-Trump Republican voters if they win runoffs.

Who Impacted

Incumbents perceived as insufficiently loyal, including John Cornyn as forced into a runoff, face heightened intra-party challenge and electoral risk.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 9
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 9
Distribution:: Left 0%, Center 100%, Right 0%

Who Benefited

Candidates endorsed by former President Trump, including Ken Paxton after his May 19 endorsement, may consolidate support among pro-Trump Republican voters if they win runoffs.

Who Impacted

Incumbents perceived as insufficiently loyal, including John Cornyn as forced into a runoff, face heightened intra-party challenge and electoral risk.