Trump-backed Paxton wins Texas GOP runoff; Talarico remains the Democratic candidate for 2026 Texas Senate race. James Talarico, Texas Rep, educator.
As of March 21, 2026, Texas prepares for a May 26 GOP Senate runoff between incumbent John Cornyn and Attorney General Ken Paxton. Both remain on the ballot after failing to secure a majority in the March 3 primary. President Trump has yet to endorse either candidate, with his decision possibly tied to the fate of the SAVE America Act. Democrat James Talarico won the Democratic primary, setting up a competitive general election.
The Republican Party's main committees and allied groups have built a $600 million cash advantage over Democrats, with $843.6 million compared to $243 million. This financial edge could give Republicans a significant advantage in midterm campaign spending, driven by the GOP's fundraising strength and the Trump super PAC's large war chest.
President Trump has completed a two‑day state visit to Beijing with US business chiefs, holding talks with Xi Jinping on trade, Taiwan, Iran and AI. Leaders have agreed to set up trade and investment councils; Trump has touted unspecified "fantastic" deals including a reported 200‑plane Boeing order while Chinese statements remain cautious.
Texas attorney general Ken Paxton has won the Republican primary runoff, supported by President Trump, defeating incumbent John Cornyn. Paxton now advances to the general election to face Democrat James Talarico. The result signals continued Trump influence in the party ahead of November, while Cornyn has pledged to back the GOP ticket.
Garcia has defeated Galindo in the Democratic runoff for Texas’s 35th District. The race followed controversy over Galindo’s antisemitic remarks and a GOP-linked super PAC that supported her to undermine Garcia. Democrats are hopeful about holding the district in November amid redistricting that favors Republicans.
Since late May, Trump-endorsed candidates have reshaped key Republican primaries: Ken Paxton has beaten John Cornyn in Texas and will face Democrat James Talarico in November; in South Carolina Trump has backed Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette and Sen. Lindsey Graham has secured the president's endorsement for his fifth-term bid. Democrats are raising funds and recalibrating strategy in response.
The president has stated that Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon and has framed talks as critical to global security, while dismissing attention to U.S. domestic political concerns as the war with Iran continues to shape gas prices and inflation.
The New York Times and NY Post articles show Democrats eyeing Texas as Paxton defeats Cornyn in the GOP primary, while the Times argues demographic trends could help a blue Texas in November. The conversation highlights party dynamics and potential shifts in statewide outcomes.
The Iran war and the near‑closure of the Strait of Hormuz have pushed energy, fertiliser and transport costs higher and forced global institutions to cut growth forecasts. The OECD has lowered 2026 growth projections, UNICEF has reported soaring freight bills and delivery delays, and consumer sentiment in the US has ticked up slightly as gas prices ease.
Democrats are grappling with Graham Platner’s recent disclosures ahead of the Maine Senate race against Republican Sen. Susan Collins. The New York Times has reported disturbing accounts from several former partners, while Platner has described his past as a period of transformation. Party leaders remain cautiously supportive, highlighting the stakes for control of the Senate.
Endorsements from former President Trump are shaping party primaries across Georgia and South Carolina, with allies winning decisive votes. The political landscape is shifting as candidates court Trump’s backing, while opponents warn of MAGA fatigue and ongoing foreign policy debates.
The Texas Senate race remains volatile as incumbent Republicans face intraparty splits after Trump-backed Ken Paxton defeats Cornyn in a primary. Cornyn has signaled political independence, warning that Trump’s endorsement could complicate the race for Republicans nationwide. The outcome raises questions about party unity and potential shifts in control of the Senate.