• Trump endorses Ken Paxton, a controversial figure, in the Texas Senate runoff against John Cornyn.
• The endorsement comes just before the May 26 runoff and adds tension within the Republican Party.
• Polling shows a competitive race between Paxton and Democrat James Talarico.

President Trump has endorsed Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in the highly contentious Senate runoff against incumbent Senator John Cornyn, emphasizing Paxton's loyalty and commitment to Trump's agenda. This endorsement comes just days before the May 26 election and follows a bruising primary battle where neither candidate secured a majority in the March 3 election, with Cornyn receiving about 42% and Paxton close behind at 41%, a margin of just 26,000 votes. Trump described Paxton as a "true MAGA Warrior" who "will continue to deliver for Texas" in a post on Truth Social, which was met with excitement from Paxton's supporters during a rally in Allen, Texas, according to CBS News and Reuters.

Paxton's endorsement from Trump arrives amid significant concerns among Senate Republicans that nominating him could jeopardize their majority in the upcoming elections. Cornyn, who has long been an ally of the GOP establishment, argued that Paxton is a risky choice for the party, potentially paving the way for the Democrats to flip the seat. Trump's support for Paxton puts him at odds with some established party leaders who openly favored Cornyn, viewing him as the stronger candidate to retain the seat against Democrat James Talarico, according to Los Angeles Times and BBC.

The dynamics of this race are further complicated by the fact that Paxton's political history includes a series of scandals, including impeachment proceedings and persistent legal challenges over alleged misconduct. Despite these issues, Paxton maintains a strong base among conservative voters and has positioned himself as a staunch advocate for Trump's policies, which have resonated with many in the state. Cornyn's campaign, however, has seized upon Paxton's scandals to argue that he represents a liability for the Republican Party, as pointed out by Al Jazeera and South China Morning Post.

Polling indicates a highly competitive race, with varying results suggesting a close contest between Paxton and Talarico, who has garnered significant attention among moderate and independent voters. While some polls show Talarico tied or slightly ahead of Paxton, others indicate a narrow lead for Cornyn against the Democrat, raising fears among GOP leaders about the implications of Paxton's nomination. If Paxton wins the runoff, he will face Talarico, who is campaigning on a platform focusing on populism and economic fairness, according to NPR and Los Angeles Times.