James Talarico's Fake Olive Branch to Republicans The Democratic candidate dresses up a negative, partisan appeal as genuine moderation. Reason · May 27
Trump sends crushing message to Republicans: ‘I don’t care about the midterms’ President’s comments came less than a day after scandal-plagued Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton knocked off incumbent Republican senator John Cornyn in a costly primary battle The Independent UK · May 27
Trump Seals Bitter Month of Political Revenge as Ken Paxton Topples Senator John Cornyn in Texas Runoff Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has won the Republican Senate nomination, defeating incumbent Senator John Cornyn in another primary victory for candidates backed by President Trump. International Business Times UK · May 27
Trump’s grip on the Republican party has never been tighter. Will Democrats take Texas from its grasp? The US president’s backing of Maga extremists turns off the very voters Republicans need to win over in the midterms The Guardian - US · May 27
They’re Mostly Anglo. They’re Largely from Austin. And They Just Might Have a Shot. Led by James Talarico, a relatively well-qualified Democratic slate—one that poorly reflects the state's demography and geography—might have gotten its most important boost from the Republican side on Tuesday. Texas Observer · May 27
Trump ramps up attacks on Talarico after Paxton’s Texas Senate runoff win Donald Trump moves quickly to unite Republicans behind the Texas attorney general as Democrats eye rare opening The Guardian - US · May 27
Trump’s primary challenges to his Republican foes make GOP nervous in run up to midterms Two days before registered Republicans voted in the party’s primary election in Kentucky’s 4th Congressional District on May 20, Donald Trump called the incumbent representative, Thomas Massie, “the worst Republican congressman in history”. The Conversation · May 27
Ken Paxton Defeats John Cornyn: How Ousted Senator Could Exact Revenge on Donald Trump Ken Paxton's victory over John Cornyn in Texas, backed by Trump's endorsement, highlights a shift in GOP dynamics, raising questions about Cornyn's future role and potential dissent in the Senate. International Business Times UK · May 27
Trump scores a trophy in Texas as he hunts down Republican rivals The primary defeat of long-time Senator John Cornyn confirms Trump still has a grip on the party, but comes with huge political risks – and Democrats are excited. Euronews · May 27
Cornyn Loses Texas' GOP Primary For U.S. Senate Against Paxton In Another Show Of Trump's Continued Dominance Over The Party John Cornyn lost the Republican primary for his Texas Senate seat against the state's attorney general, Ken Paxton. International Business Times · May 27
First Thing: Trump-backed Ken Paxton ousts John Cornyn in Texas primary Paxton’s win, despite scandals, signals president’s enduring grip over state. Plus, one sex educator on why she doesn’t define sex at all The Guardian - UK · May 27
Trump will regret endorsing Ken Paxton Democrat James Talarico may win — and the president weakened his hold over the GOP Salon · May 27
Trump’s justice department reportedly opens criminal investigation into E Jean Carroll – as it happened This live blog is now closed. The Guardian - US · May 27
Trump tightens grip on GOP as Republicans fear midterm bloodbath Donald Trump's formidable influence within the Republican Party is undeniable, evidenced by his recent endorsement of Ken Paxton, who secured a primary runoff victory in Texas The Independent UK · May 27
The Economic Times · May 27 Donald Trump is getting the Republican Party that he wants. But can he win in the midterms? President Trump's strong influence in Republican primaries presents a challenge for the party's upcoming midterm elections. Voters are reportedly unhappy with his economic policies and actions regarding Iran. Republican strategists express concern that Trump's approach may alienate broader electorates. Democrats see an opportunity to gain seats by highlighting these issues.
The Times of India · May 27 The urge to purge: In Trump’s GOP, disloyalty is political death Republican politicians face a stark choice: unwavering loyalty to Donald Trump or political oblivion. Recent primary defeats, like Senator John Cornyn's, underscore Trump's absolute control. Conservatism alone is insufficient; submission to Trump is paramount. This dynamic forces GOP figures to prioritize his approval, even as national polls show unease, highlighting…
Texas Observer · May 27 Judgment Day Comes for John Cornyn And a sordid dawn breaks for a Texas GOP whose 2026 ticket is now officially led by Warren Kenneth Paxton.
The Texas Tribune · May 27 Mayes Middleton defeats Chip Roy for Texas attorney general GOP nomination Middleton, a conservative state senator and oil and gas executive, put more than $16 million of his own money into the race.
The Economic Times · May 27 Trump-endorsed Paxton topples Cornyn in Texas Ken Paxton secured the Republican Senate nomination in Texas, defeating incumbent John Cornyn with President Trump's endorsement. Paxton's victory sets up a high-profile general election against Democrat James Talarico, potentially impacting Senate control. The race highlights Trump's influence, prioritizing loyalty over electability within the GOP.
The Texas Tribune · May 27 “The last of the gentlemen Republicans”: John Cornyn’s four-decade political career ends with a MAGA uprising A former state Supreme Court justice, Texas attorney general and a four-term U.S. senator, Cornyn had held on in the Republican Party as it transformed from the party of Bush, to the Tea Party movement and eventually the dominion of Trump.
The Guardian - US · May 27 Trump-backed Ken Paxton ousts John Cornyn in heated Texas primary after scandal-plagued campaign Race had wide implications for Trump’s strength heading into midterms, where Paxton will face Democratic candidate James Talarico
The Texas Tribune · May 27 Paxton-backed Thomas Smith defeats Alison Fox in GOP runoff for Texas’ highest criminal court The all-Republican Court of Criminal Appeals has undergone extensive turnover since AG Ken Paxton began targeting incumbent judges.
The Texas Tribune · May 27 Ken Paxton defeats John Cornyn for U.S. Senate GOP nomination The attorney general’s victory is a crushing blow to the Texas GOP's old guard, which has faltered in recent years against the Paxton-led insurgent wing.
Roll Call · May 26 Paxton defeat of Cornyn highlights Texas runoff night Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, a combative, scandal-dogged disruptor who had the backing of President Donald Trump and his MAGA movement, delivered a thrashing to four-term Sen. John Cornyn in Tuesday’s Republican Senate primary runoff in the Lone Star State. Cornyn, an even-keeled establishment Republican who took pride in his…