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Trump backs Ken Paxton in crucial Texas Republican Senate run-off

Al Jazeera · back to the audit

United States President Donald Trump has endorsed Texas State Attorney General Ken Paxton in the Republican run-off to represent the state of Texas in the US Senate in advance of next week's Republican primary.

Paxton has long been the favourite to take the state's Republican nomination, but faces a tighter race in the general election. Paxton, 63, has never lost an election despite his political career facing waves of controversy, including adultery and facing indictment on felony securities fraud charges. Paxton was also impeached, including by members of his own party.

The Republican nominee will face a tough general election. Polls suggest that James Talarico is either the favourite or within the margin of error.

Democrats have long said that many statewide races could turn Texas Democratic. However, despite those claims, Democrats have not held statewide office in the Lone Star State since 1994.