Ken Paxton, the Texas Attorney General, has defeated four-term incumbent John Cornyn in the Texas Republican Senate runoff, according to multiple news outlets. Paxton, who received Donald Trump's endorsement prior to the election, will face Democratic candidate James Talarico in the November general election.
Bloomberg reported that Paxton defeated Cornyn in the state's Republican Senate runoff. Cornyn had served four terms in the U.S. Senate representing Texas. The outcome sets up a November contest between Paxton and a Democratic opponent.
The Guardian reported that the race had implications for Trump's influence heading into the midterm elections. The New York Post described Paxton's victory as demonstrating Trump's influence in Republican Party politics.
The Guardian and The Independent both characterized Paxton's campaign as "scandal-plagued." The Independent reported that Republicans have expressed concerns that Paxton's candidacy could cost them the Senate seat. The outlet noted that Democrats have not won a Texas Senate race in almost 40 years.
According to The Independent, Paxton's victory "puts Texas in play for Democrats," indicating the seat may be competitive in the November election.
Paxton currently serves as Texas Attorney General, a position he held during the campaign. He received Trump's endorsement ahead of the runoff election. Cornyn had represented Texas in the Senate for four terms before his defeat.
The November general election will determine whether Republicans retain the seat or whether Democrats can win a Texas Senate race for the first time in nearly four decades. James Talarico will appear on the ballot as the Democratic candidate.
Read the original coverage
💬 Comments
📜 Comment Policy