How Ken Paxton courted Donald Trump and won his endorsement

How Ken Paxton Courted Donald Trump and Won His Endorsement

How Ken Paxton courted Donald Trump – Ken Paxton’s political fate appeared to hang in the balance after a rocky showing in the March 3 Republican primary for Texas Senate. The attorney general, who had long been a prominent figure in the state’s conservative circles, fell just short of expectations, trailing his long-standing rival, Sen. John Cornyn, in a tight race. This setback sent shockwaves through Paxton’s campaign, as Trump’s potential endorsement of Cornyn loomed large. The president had hinted at a decision “soon,” and his allies were pushing for Cornyn to secure the nod, arguing that the senator’s support would align with his base. Paxton, however, refused to back down, a stance that Trump had previously criticized as “a bad” move. With the race heating up, Paxton pivoted to a bold maneuver that would ultimately shift the momentum in his favor.

A Strategic Gambit

On March 5, at precisely 12:18 p.m., Paxton made a move that many described as a last-ditch effort. He posted on X, a platform he had used sparingly before, stating he would consider withdrawing from the race if Senate Republicans enacted the Save America Act—a key legislative priority for Trump. The bill aimed to expand voter ID requirements, a measure that resonated strongly with Trump’s core supporters. Paxton’s message was clear: he would align with the president’s agenda in exchange for a chance to reclaim his place in the runoff. He later shared the post directly with Trump, ensuring the message reached the top of the Republican hierarchy.

The strategy was seen as a “Hail Mary” by insiders, a desperate attempt to reverse fortunes in a race where Cornyn had the advantage. Trump, however, had already grown frustrated with leaks about his endorsement plans and was receiving constant calls from allies urging him to endorse Cornyn. The president’s delay in making a decision allowed the situation to unfold in Paxton’s favor. After 75 days of indecision, Trump finally announced his support for Paxton, a move that sent shockwaves through the Senate GOP leadership. For Paxton’s supporters, this endorsement was a validation of their long-held belief that he was more loyal to Trump than Cornyn. For Cornyn’s allies, it was a bitter defeat, signaling a shift in the party’s priorities.

“This is the president’s party, let’s just be very, very clear,” said Rep. Troy Nehls of Texas, an early advocate for Paxton who had brought him to the State of the Union address earlier this year. “I think it is incumbent upon members of Congress and others to just remember that—remember that when it comes to the president’s agenda.”

The timing of Trump’s endorsement was critical. It came after a series of political victories for the president, including the ousting of Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana and a string of wins against Indiana state lawmakers. These successes emboldened Trump, who had been embroiled in a campaign of retribution against opponents. Meanwhile, Cornyn had faced scrutiny for his past comments, particularly his 2023 remark that Trump’s influence “has passed him by.” Paxton had seized on this critique, using it as a rallying point to differentiate himself from Cornyn in the eyes of voters.

Despite Cornyn’s long-standing partnership with Trump, their relationship had frayed in recent months. The senator had been slow to endorse Trump’s 2024 campaign, and his support for gun safety legislation in 2022 with Democrats further complicated his alignment with the party’s right wing. These factors, combined with his earlier remarks, made him a less predictable choice for Trump’s base. The president’s endorsement of Paxton, however, signaled a preference for a candidate who had consistently backed his policies, even when it meant challenging Cornyn’s legacy.

The Political Aftermath

Trump’s support instantly elevated Paxton’s profile, transforming the May 26 runoff into a more open contest. With the endorsement, Paxton became the clear frontrunner, even as Democratic analysts speculated about the implications for the Senate race. The decision could complicate efforts by Senate GOP leaders to secure a candidate they believe is more electable. Republican-aligned groups had spent tens of millions of dollars attacking Paxton, portraying him as a liability in a state that has not elected a Democrat statewide in over three decades.

Inside the White House, officials acknowledged the challenge of rallying support for Paxton but remained confident in his viability. “It’s not like any Republican is going to be easily defeated in Texas,” one official remarked, noting the state’s deep conservative roots. Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, who had been working to persuade Trump to back Cornyn, was left scrambling. Thune had frequently engaged with Trump about the race, hoping to sway him toward Cornyn, but the president had not extended him a heads-up about his final choice. “I found out, I think, the way everyone else did,” Thune said, hinting at his frustration over the lack of communication.

Cornyn, 74, had always been a formidable contender, but his path to re-election was becoming increasingly difficult. His campaign, while well-funded, had struggled to counter the narrative that he was out of step with Trump’s agenda. Paxton, on the other hand, had positioned himself as a more dedicated ally, leveraging the president’s influence to elevate his profile. The race now hinges on whether Texas voters will prioritize Cornyn’s experience and Senate credentials or embrace Paxton’s alignment with Trump’s vision for the country.

Democrats, meanwhile, have expressed cautious optimism. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer claimed that the endorsement “has given us much better shape” to win the race, suggesting that the president’s support might weaken Cornyn’s base. However, the broader implications for Senate control remain uncertain. The Texas race is a microcosm of the larger struggle between moderates and conservatives within the GOP, and Trump’s endorsement could influence other battlegrounds across the country. As the campaign enters its final stretch, the question remains: will Paxton’s sudden rise in favor of the president help him secure the Senate seat, or will Cornyn’s established network of allies mount a last-minute comeback?

Looking ahead, the political stakes are high. With Trump’s endorsement, Paxton has gained a powerful ally in a race that could determine the balance of power in the Senate. The president’s decision reflects not only his strategic calculus but also his desire to reward loyalty in a party where internal divisions have grown more pronounced. For Cornyn, the loss of Trump’s support marks a significant setback, though he remains a respected figure among Texas Republicans. The next 60 days will be crucial as both campaigns ramp up their efforts, and the final outcome may ultimately hinge on the shifting tides of public opinion in a state that has long favored the GOP.