In Cornyn’s enormous loss, proof of Trump’s hold over GOP base
Senator John Cornyn's recent primary loss in Texas highlights the significant influence of Donald Trump over the Republican base. Cornyn was defeated by Ken Paxton, a candidate aligned with Trump, in a race that saw a dramatic shift in voter support. This defeat, along with other recent losses of Republican incumbents, indicates a growing divide within the party between traditional leaders and Trump's loyal supporters.
- ▪John Cornyn lost a primary runoff to Ken Paxton by nearly 28 percentage points.
- ▪This defeat marks the worst showing for a sitting senator in a two-person primary or runoff since 1974.
- ▪Trump's endorsement of Paxton in the final days of the campaign played a crucial role in Cornyn's loss.
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For subscribersIn Cornyn’s enormous loss, proof of Trump’s hold over GOP baseSign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxIn Texas, having Republicans nominate the scandal-plagued Ken Paxton has revived Democrats’ dreams of turning the state blue.PHOTO: DESIREE RIOS/NYTIMESPatricia Mazzei and Shane GoldmacherPublished May 28, 2026, 08:00 AMUpdated May 28, 2026, 08:00 AMWASHINGTON – The staggering defeat of Senator John Cornyn of Texas in a primary runoff this week underscored how the most ardent Republican voters have abandoned even stalwart party figures over the past decade to follow the desires of United States President Donald Trump.Mr Trump’s hardest-core base has kept showing up in Republican primaries in 2026, giving him a remarkable record in ousting incumbents like Mr…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Straits Times — World.