US President Donald Trump has endorsed Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in his bid to unseat incumbent Senator John Cornyn in next Tuesday's Republican primary run-off race. By siding with Paxton, Trump is supporting a Texas politician who has long been a close ally of the president – but also one who comes with considerable political baggage. Many Democrats have viewed Paxton as the weaker of the two candidates and relish what they believe is an opportunity to flip a Senate seat in a state that has a long history of electing Republicans. Trump's move dismayed Cornyn's fellow Senate Republicans, many of whom have served with the Texan for decades and view him as a friend and ally. Maine Senator Susan Collins called Paxton 'ethically challenged,' while Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski expressed her 'supreme disappointment.' Despite this backlash, Trump appears to have different preferences. The president has shown loyalty to Paxton, who has supported Trump's efforts to contest the 2020 election results and rallied for him during a New York trial. Both Trump and Paxton share a legacy of political controversy. Paxton settled a federal corruption indictment and faced an impeachment trial in 2023 but was acquitted. With early voting already underway in Texas, the stakes are high in this primary as the winner will face Democrat James Talarico in the general election. Historically, the last Democrat to win a statewide election in Texas was over three decades ago, yet the dynamics of this race, amplified by Trump's endorsement, could shake up the political landscape in November.