Trump Says No Regrets

President Donald Trump is standing firmly behind his decision to endorse Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton for the U.S. Senate, making it clear that he has no second thoughts despite growing concerns about one of the country’s most closely watched races.

During an appearance on Newsmax’s “Finnerty,” Trump defended his decision to support Paxton over longtime Republican Sen. John Cornyn in the GOP primary. The president argued that Cornyn would have faced serious difficulties winning the general election and maintained that Paxton was the stronger choice.

“No, because I think Cornyn would have lost,” Trump said when asked whether he regretted his endorsement.

The president went on to praise Paxton’s record as Texas attorney general, describing him as one of the most effective officials to hold that position.

Trump acknowledged that Paxton has faced controversy throughout his political career but suggested that voters should focus on his accomplishments rather than personal criticism.

The remarks come as Republicans work to protect their Senate majority in the November midterm elections, with Texas emerging as a surprisingly competitive battleground.

Paxton is facing Democratic state Rep. James Talarico in a contest that has attracted national attention and significant campaign spending.

For Republicans, the stakes extend well beyond Texas. Losing a Senate seat in a traditionally conservative state could complicate the party’s efforts to maintain control of Congress and advance Trump’s legislative priorities.

Trump’s endorsement of Paxton has also highlighted divisions within the Republican Party.

Some GOP leaders had preferred Cornyn, a longtime senator with extensive experience in Washington. They believed his established political connections and electoral history made him a safer candidate for the general election.

However, Trump chose Paxton, whose confrontational approach and strong support for conservative policies have made him popular among many grassroots Republicans.

Throughout his tenure as attorney general, Paxton became known for challenging federal policies involving immigration, election administration, and government regulations.

His supporters argue that his willingness to confront Washington demonstrates the kind of leadership needed in the Senate. Critics, however, have raised concerns about his past legal and ethical controversies and whether those issues could hurt Republican turnout.

Trump has repeatedly dismissed concerns about his endorsement, emphasizing Paxton’s record and expressing confidence in his ability to represent Texas.

The president has even indicated that he would return to the Lone Star State to campaign for Paxton if additional support becomes necessary.

Recent polling suggests that the election could be closer than Republicans initially expected. An October University of Texas/Texas Politics Project survey showed Talarico holding a narrow advantage over Paxton, although the difference fell within the poll’s margin of error.

That uncertainty has increased pressure on Republican leaders to unite behind their nominee before Election Day.

Texas has not elected a Democrat to the U.S. Senate since 1988, making the possibility of a competitive race particularly significant for both parties.

Democrats see an opportunity to challenge decades of Republican dominance, while GOP officials recognize that defending the seat is essential to their broader congressional strategy.

The election also presents an important political test for Trump’s influence. His endorsement helped Paxton defeat an established Republican incumbent, but the November contest will determine whether that support translates into a general election victory.

With voters preparing to head to the polls, Trump appears determined to stand by his decision rather than reconsider the choice that helped shape the Republican ticket.

For the president, the issue is straightforward: He believes Paxton’s record as attorney general makes him qualified to serve in Washington, regardless of the criticism surrounding his campaign.

The outcome will ultimately rest with Texas voters, who must decide whether to continue the state’s longstanding Republican representation in the Senate or choose a different direction.

One thing is certain: President Trump is not backing away from Ken Paxton, and he is making it clear that he has no regrets about his endorsement.