Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton secured a decisive runoff win over Senator John Cornyn, propelled by former President Donald Trump’s endorsement, while Oklahoma businessman Mike Mazzei captured the GOP gubernatorial nomination with Trump’s backing as well.
Texas runoff confirms Paxton’s dominance
Paxton defeated Cornyn in the Republican primary runoff, a race that highlighted the former president’s continued influence in the party.
Political strategist Cassie Smedile noted that Trump’s support remains a decisive factor for Republican voters, a view echoed by the former president’s own statement.
Paxton will now face Democratic challenger James Talarico in the November general election, positioning the contest as a high‑stakes battle in a traditionally red state.
Oklahoma governor race crowns Mazzei
Mike Mazzei, a former Oklahoma state senator and financial planner, won the runoff against attorney general Gentner Drummond, securing the GOP nomination for governor.
Trump called Mazzei a “MAGA warrior” in a Truth Social post, praising his tax‑cut agenda and pledge to eliminate the state income tax within six years.
Mazzei campaigned on eliminating income and property taxes for seniors and veterans, tightening land‑ownership rules for foreign nationals, and increasing accountability in government spending.
Drummond, a multigenerational rancher and former fighter pilot, emphasized his record confronting illegal marijuana farms and enforcing immigration law, but his campaign struggled to counter Mazzei’s business‑focused message.
The Club for Growth, which contributed $9 million to Mazzei’s campaign, praised the victory as a win for limited government and school‑choice principles.
Mazzei will meet Democratic nominee Cyndi Munson, the House minority leader, in the November 3 general election, setting up a contest that could reshape Oklahoma’s political landscape.
Both primary outcomes underscore Trump’s enduring sway over Republican primary voters in key state races.
