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Trump Backs Paxton in Texas GOP Senate Runoff, Testing Primary Clout

President Donald Trump endorsed Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in the state's Republican Senate primary runoff Tuesday. The endorsement represents a significant show of support for Paxton against four-term incumbent Sen. John Cornyn, who has served since 2003. The runoff takes place on May 26 and has become a test of Trump's influence over GOP voters and the strength of the Senate GOP establishment. Early voting began Monday and runs through Friday. The winner will advance to face Democratic nominee James Talarico in November's general election. Paxton has maintained a close alliance with Trump throughout his political career. The race has become one of the party's most closely watched Senate primaries this cycle.