President Trump blames Cornyn and Rove for Ken Paxton’s Senate struggles on Oct. 16, 2026

President Donald Trump on Oct. 16, 2026 accused Sen. John Cornyn and GOP strategist Karl Rove of sabotaging Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s U.S. Senate campaign.

The allegation comes as Paxton’s race with Democrat James Talarico has tightened into a dead heat, raising concerns about GOP unity in a state that has long been a Republican stronghold.

"Sadly, and very stupidly, John Cornyn, and his Liddle' Buddy, Super RINO, Karl Rove, are doing everything possible to make it hard for Ken Paxton, the Greatest Attorney General in the History of Texas, and one of the Best in the United States, to win the upcoming Midterm Election against a Radical Left Lunatic, James TalaFREAKO, who is the ANTITHESIS of Texas Values," Trump wrote. "If Ken Paxton loses, it will be because of WEAK and INEFFECTIVE Political Hacks like John Cornyn and Karl Rove, who have ineffectively opposed me for my entire political career."

Trump’s post followed his earlier endorsement of Paxton earlier this year and amplified a pattern of public attacks on Republican allies who have not fully backed the Texas Attorney General. Cornyn, who lost a primary to Paxton in May, has declined to contribute money to Paxton’s campaign, while Rove has repeatedly criticized Paxton’s candidacy.

Recent polls show a razor‑thin margin between the two candidates. The RealClearPolitics aggregate lists Paxton up by one point in one poll and tied in another, while other surveys place Talarico slightly ahead. The closeness of the race has turned it into a litmus test for intra‑party loyalty and the influence of Trump’s endorsement.

In a separate message to supporters, Trump urged Republicans who previously backed Cornyn to “unite” and immediately shift their support to Paxton, warning Texas voters not to risk a “FREAKO” in Washington. The former president’s direct appeal reflects his continued effort to shape the 2026 midterm outcomes and safeguard his America‑First agenda.

As the election approaches, the Trump‑Cornyn‑Rove controversy highlights the fracturing of Texas Republican ranks and adds another layer of uncertainty to a contest that could determine the party’s control of the Senate.