Trump-backed Paxton wins Texas Republican Senate nomination, defeating Senator Cornyn

Former Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton won the Republican runoff for the U.S. Senate seat from Texas, defeating John Cornyn, one of the chamber's most senior figures. With explicit support from Donald Trump, Paxton's victory has ignited a critical race that could determine Senate control in November's general election.

The seat is being cited as among the pivotal contests that will determine the balance of power in the U.S. Senate. Despite his lengthy tenure in the Senate, Cornyn fell to a voter base aligned with Trump's political line.

Paxton had previously faced misconduct allegations and was impeached by the state House of Representatives; however, the state Senate acquitted him. He will now face the Democratic nominee in the November general election.