Texas Republican Senate race: 5 big moments

Trump's late endorsement of Ken Paxton jolted the Texas Republican Senate runoff against incumbent John Cornyn after early voting began, setting up a May 26 decision and a November race against Democrat James Talarico.

1. Frame 1Trump endorsed Ken Paxton after early voting had already opened in the Texas Republican Senate runoff.
2. Frame 2John Cornyn entered the sprint as the incumbent, backed by Senate Republicans and allied spending.
3. Frame 3Paxton turned the late endorsement into a final-week push against Cornyn before the May 26 vote.
4. Frame 4The winner faces Democrat James Talarico, an Austin state legislator with strong fundraising.
5. Frame 5Republicans see a tougher November map if the bruising primary leaves donors and voters split.
6. Frame 6The unresolved piece is whether Trump's move ends the runoff or exposes a deeper Texas GOP divide.