Senator Cornyn’s enormous loss is proof of Trump’s hold over GOP base
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In Texas, having Republicans nominate the scandal-plagued Ken Paxton has revived Democrats’ dreams of turning the state blue.
PHOTO: DESIREE RIOS/NYTIMES
Patricia Mazzei and Shane Goldmacher
WASHINGTON – The staggering defeat of Senator John Cornyn of Texas in a primary run-off this week underscored how the most ardent Republican voters have abandoned even stalwart party figures over the past decade to follow the desires of US President Donald Trump.
Mr Trump’s hardest-core base has kept showing up in Republican primaries in 2026, giving him a remarkable record in ousting incumbents like Mr Cornyn, whom he has deemed disloyal. That reliable support has allowed the President to flaunt a string of primary victories in May, even as his popularity with the electorate overall has fallen, creating a more favourable midterm environment for Democrats.