Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton Courts Trump Endorsement Amid Bitter Senate Primary Battle Against John Cornyn

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton Courts Trump Endorsement in Scotland

Turnberry, Scotland — In a surprising twist in the Texas Senate race, Attorney General Ken Paxton found himself 4,500 miles from home, seeking a crucial endorsement from former President Donald Trump. The encounter took place at Trump Turnberry, the president’s luxury golf resort, where Paxton aimed to gain an edge in his contentious primary battle against incumbent GOP Senator John Cornyn.

On a Saturday in late July, Paxton crossed paths with Trump on the golf course, although they did not play together. Sources familiar with the meeting revealed that the two engaged in a private conversation about the Texas race, a moment that could prove pivotal for Paxton’s campaign. Despite initial denials from the White House regarding the encounter, the significance of their discussion cannot be understated.

As the 2026 midterm elections loom, Trump is reportedly paying close attention to the Texas Senate race, recognizing its potential impact on Republican majorities in Congress. His aides have indicated that he is adopting a more pragmatic approach to endorsements compared to his first term, making this primary contest one to watch.

Paxton’s trip to Scotland underscores the lengths he is willing to go to secure Trump’s backing. Earlier this summer, a pro-Paxton PAC even aired ads in Palm Beach, Florida, strategically targeting Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate rather than Texas voters. Polls suggest Paxton holds a strong lead over Cornyn, but fundraising remains a challenge against the well-connected incumbent.

Insiders close to Paxton believe that an endorsement from Trump could significantly shift the dynamics of the race, potentially sidelining Cornyn’s reelection efforts. Paxton has cultivated a relationship with Trump’s son, Donald Trump Jr., who was also present at Turnberry, further solidifying his ties to the Trump family.

Should Paxton emerge as the Republican nominee, Democrats are poised to invest heavily in the race, viewing it as a potential opportunity to flip a seat in traditionally red Texas. National Republican leaders, including Senate Majority Leader John Thune, continue to back Cornyn, emphasizing his ability to win both the primary and general elections.

The rivalry between Paxton and Cornyn has escalated, with both candidates vying for Trump’s endorsement. Cornyn has publicly criticized Paxton’s campaign as a “con man’s vanity project,” while Paxton accuses Cornyn of abandoning Trump during challenging times.

As the primary approaches, the stakes are high, with both candidates invoking Trump’s name in their campaigns. The former president has remained neutral, indicating he is in no rush to endorse either candidate, despite pressure from GOP leaders.

In a race that could reshape the Senate landscape, the battle for Trump’s endorsement may ultimately determine the future of Texas politics. As the primary date draws near, all eyes will be on the Lone Star State, where the clash between Paxton and Cornyn is set to become one of the most closely watched contests of the election cycle.