Republicans race to back Ken Paxton as runoff sets up closely-watched US Senate battle in Texas
Ken Paxton has secured the Republican nomination for the US Senate in Texas, prompting swift support from party leaders. Donald Trump has publicly backed Paxton, criticizing his Democratic opponent, James Talarico, as weak. The race is expected to be closely watched, given Paxton's legal troubles and the Democrats' aim to flip the Senate seat.
- ▪Ken Paxton won the Republican primary runoff for the US Senate in Texas.
- ▪Donald Trump quickly endorsed Paxton and criticized his Democratic opponent, James Talarico.
- ▪Republican leaders expressed concerns about Paxton's legal issues affecting his chances in the general election.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Ken Paxton waves as he takes the stage during a primary runoff election night event after winning the Republican party's nomination for the US Senate on 26 May 2026, in Plano, Texas. Photograph: Tony Gutierrez/APView image in fullscreenKen Paxton waves as he takes the stage during a primary runoff election night event after winning the Republican party's nomination for the US Senate on 26 May 2026, in Plano, Texas. Photograph: Tony Gutierrez/APUS newsRepublicans race to back Ken Paxton as runoff sets up closely-watched US Senate battle in Texas Donald Trump moves quickly to unite Republicans behind the Texas attorney general as Democrats eye rare opening US politics live – latest updates Sign up for the Breaking News US newsletter email Joseph Gedeon in WashingtonWed 27 May 2026 10.56…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at The Guardian — US.
Discussion
0 commentsMore from The Guardian — US
