President Donald Trump elevated loyalty over electability concerns with his endorsement of Texas attorney general Ken Paxton’s bid to unseat Sen.
Trump’s backing could put Paxton over the top next week, with recent runoff polls showing him leading Cornyn by high-single digits.
Cornyn has highlighted his ability to beat state Rep. James Talarico (D) in the general election, where Paxton is viewed as a greater risk than the four-term senator. He didn’t persuade the person whose opinion matters most.
“The key for the Cornyn camp has always been convincing the president that Paxton ...