Paxton 64–36 Cornyn: MAGA Takes Texas Senate Seat, GOP Establishment Realigns | GOP Digest May 28, 2026

Paxton Crushes Cornyn, Thune Moves to Make Amends:

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton defeated incumbent Sen. John Cornyn 64-36% in Tuesday's Republican runoff, making Cornyn the first Texas Republican senator ever denied renomination. Senate Majority Leader John Thune called Paxton on Wednesday to begin mending fences, signaling that the GOP establishment is falling in line behind the Trump-backed nominee. Paxton will face Democratic state Rep. James Talarico in November's general election.

Trump Runs the Table at 118-0:

With roughly one-third of 2026 Republican primaries complete, President Trump has endorsed 118 candidates across House, Senate, and gubernatorial races and won every single one. The streak — which now includes the ouster of a sitting Senate Republican, two sitting House Republicans (Reps. Massie and Cassidy), and a Senate leader's chosen successor — cements Trump's grip on the GOP heading into the fall campaign.

Rogers Holds Edge in Must-Win Pickup:

A new Detroit Regional Chamber poll (Glengariff Group, n=600, April 28–May 1) shows Republican Mike Rogers leading Democrat Haley Stevens 43.8% to 41.5% and leading Democrat Mallory McMorrow 42.8% to 40.7% — both within the margin of error. With Sen. Gary Peters retired and Michigan a Trump 2024 state, national Republicans are targeting this open seat as their top Senate pickup opportunity of the cycle.

GOP Runoff Set for June 16 as Ossoff Holds Narrow Lead:

Republicans Mike Collins and Derek Dooley head into a June 16 runoff after neither captured 50% in the May 19 primary. An Emerson poll shows incumbent Sen. Jon Ossoff leading Collins 48-43% and leading Dooley 49-41%, but the race is rated competitive — Georgia voted for Trump in 2024, making it a genuine GOP target if the party nominates a strong candidate.

Swalwell and Gonzales Resign Amid Misconduct Scandals:

Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) resigned from the House in April after four women alleged sexual misconduct including assault, making him a leading contender in California's governor race before his campaign collapsed overnight. Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-TX) also resigned under pressure, leaving the House at 216-213 Republican advantage. Swalwell's fall — from CNN regular to disgraced ex-congressman — is a major liability for Democrats heading into the midterms.

NRCC Posts Record $47M Quarter:

The NRCC raised $47.1 million in Q1 2026 — its largest first quarter ever — giving it $78.2 million cash on hand versus the DCCC's $70 million. The NRSC cleared its $26 million debt and leads Democratic Senate counterparts by over $8 million in cycle fundraising. Republicans hold a structural money advantage heading into the home stretch of primary season.