Trump says he’ll determine Paxton-Cornyn endorsement ‘at the right time’

ABOARD AIR FORCE ONE — President Trump said Saturday he would determine a potential endorsement in an explosive GOP primary for a Texas Senate seat “at the right time.”

Trump was asked by The Hill about the looming primary battle between Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas), who is seeking reelection in 2026, and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton (R).

“They’re both friends of mine. They’re both good men. And I don’t know. We don’t know who else is running, but these two— Ken, John —they’re both friends of mine. So I’ll make a determination at the right time,” Trump said.

Cornyn has held the Senate seat since 2002. Paxton announced he would challenge Cornyn earlier in the week during a Fox News appearance.

Cornyn, who served for years in Senate GOP leadership, has secured the backing of a number of his colleagues in the upper chamber, including Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) and National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) Chair Tim Scott (R-S.C.), along with Sens. Rick Scott (R-Fla.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.) and Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.). 

Paxton is an ally of Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) and has sought to align himself closely with Trump. He has scored quick endorsements from Rep. Lance Gooden (R-Texas) and Rep. Troy Nehls (R-Texas).