He will ‘destroy’ Talarico for Senate: Republicans react to Paxton victory
Attorney General Ken Paxton defeated Sen. John Cornyn for the Republican nomination for a seat in the United States Senate.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott quickly took to social media to congratulate Paxton on Tuesday night, adding that he will “destroy” Democratic nominee James Talarico
President Donald Trump endorsed Paxton over incumbent John Cornyn in a Truth Social post on May 19, one week before Election Day. He has continued to support Paxton on social media since, making multiple posts in his support.
Just before 5 a.m. on Election Day, Trump urged Texas voters once again to vote for Paxton.
“Texas, Vote for Ken Paxton, our Country’s BEST Attorney General!” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
The National Republican Senatorial Committee released a statement against Talarico on election night.
“A state President Trump won by nearly 14 points isn’t going to elect James Talarico — a radical leftist who thinks God is nonbinary and that Texas should be a welcome mat for illegals. He is the most dangerous flank of the far left. Texas isn’t swapping brisket for open borders,” said NRSC Regional Press Secretary Samantha Cantrell.
Sen. Ted Cruz expressed support for Paxton, calling him a “fearless conservative,” and also thanked Cornyn for his service to the Senate. Like other Republicans, Cruz said that defeating Talarico is “critical.”
“Now, it’s time to unite to make sure that Texas stays Texas. James Talarico is radical, dangerous, and does not represent the values, ideas, or principles of the Lone Star State,” Cruz said.
According to AdImpact, $128 million worth of ads had been bought during the Texas Republican primary race.
Senate Majority PAC spokesperson Lauren French released the following statement on the Republican senatorial runoff election results in Texas.
“Washington Republicans burned nearly $100 million trying to stop Ken Paxton — and still lost. Even members of his own party call Paxton too corrupt and too damaged for Texas. Now he’s the GOP standard-bearer. Good luck with that,” French said.
RNC Chairman Joe Gruters said “MAGA warrior” Paxton will be a “relentless fighter” for Trump.
“Texas is Trump country and won’t break a 32-year streak for a woke freak like James Talarico, who thinks there are six genders. Talarico will regret running for Senate by the time Republicans are done with him.”
Texas hasn’t elected a Democrat to statewide office in more than 30 years.
This story was originally published May 26, 2026 at 8:25 PM.
