US Elections LIVE: General Ken Paxton Defeats Four-Term Senator John Cornyn | Trump Administration

Añadido: 2026-05-27

[00:00:00]Tuesday >> tonight.

[00:00:02]>> Three years ago, Ken Paxton was impeached by his own party for using his public office to enrich himself and his donors at the expense of the people.

[00:00:14]That kind of corruption is the rot at the core of this broken system.

[00:00:21]And our experts are standing by to discuss more on that in a moment. But first, we do want to get more on the runoff from CNN's Arlet Signs at Paxton headquarters in Plano, Texas.

[00:00:31]>> Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton celebrated his resounding defeat of four-term Senator John Cornin. A win that could have major implications for how competitive this Texas Senate race will be come November. Now, Paxton thanked President Donald Trump for his last minute endorsement in this race, which really helped push Paxton across the finish line. The state attorney general told supporters here that the president's endorsement is the most powerful force within American politics.

[00:00:59]Take a listen.

[00:01:01]>> When everyone in Washington told him to abandon me and abandon the people of Texas, he didn't listen.

[00:01:07]>> Instead, he gave his complete and total endorsement.

[00:01:11]>> President Trump is the leader of our party and his endorsement in this most power is the most powerful force in politics. Now, Paxton used part of his speech to go on the attack against his Democratic opponent, state legislator James Talerico. He tried to argue that Terico is a radical Democrat who is not in line with Texas conservative values and even gave nicknames to Terico like Talico and Tofu Torico. But Paxton also acknowledged that he expects to be Democrat's number one target heading into the general election matchup in November. Throughout this campaign, Senator John Cornin and other Republicans warned that having Paxton at the top of the GOP ticket could be a liability for Republicans here in Texas, which is typically a very conservative state. For Tyler Rico's part, he was very quick to release a a video after Paxton's victory, warning that he is the most corrupt politician in American politics. So this is really setting up what could be an expensive and bruising general election matchup as Paxton is set to take on Ter Rico in November.

[00:02:19]Arlet signs CNN Plano, Texas.

[00:02:23]>> All right, so what can we expect the next few months? Let's discuss all that and head over to Atlanta with Republican strategist Katie Frost. I'm also joined uh by Democratic strategist Megan Hayes who joins me from Washington. Welcome to you both. Thanks so much for taking the time.

[00:02:37]>> Thank you.

[00:02:38]>> Thank you for having us. Megan, let's start with you. What does James Telerico need to show if this uh Democrat hopes to win in a bright red state come November? You think?

[00:02:49]>> Yeah, I think he's already showing what he's made of and what he's going to do.

[00:02:52]He's going into communities. He's talking about the economy and that's where it really matters. None of these other issues matter. People in Texas are underwater with their electric bills and their gas prices and their their grocery prices and they just want relief. And you're in a state where the president's approval rating is underwater and also the governor's approval rating is in the 40s. So you have a really strong ticket in Terico and Gina Hinosa is running for governor. So this is going to be a chance for for Democrats to turn Texas blue. It'll just be interesting to see how much money is spent here. The one benefit Democrats have is James Calerico can raise money on its own where J where Paxton cannot. And so the Republicans are going to have to spend a lot of money to keep Texas in the Republican column.

[00:03:32]Katie, Megan, laying out a list of some of those real kitchen table issues that that the Texans really want to hear about over the next several months. Um, so just from your point of view, how do you expect the Paxton campaign to portray their opponent James Telerico to voters, especially those who may consider a moderate Democrat, that's if he presents himself as such. Uh, you know, they want to hear more about just that some of the name calling that you just heard about a little while ago as well. They want to hear about those issues. So, how do they go about that?

[00:04:01]You think?

[00:04:04]>> Well, you point out the fact that James Telerico may try to portray himself as a moderate, but he's actually a radical Democrat and he is far-left. He's completely out of step with Texans and their values. This is a man who goes around saying that God is non-binary, that Jesus is a radical feminist. He said that science teaches us that there are not two biological genders and that there are actually six. This is someone who's completely out of step with where Texans are. He talks about how the American flag is a complicated symbol for so many. That is not what you're going to hear from your typical Texas voter. And when you realize that the border was a key issue in the 2024 election when President Trump saw historic gains among Hispanic voters because of the impact our southern border was having on Texas voters. And then Tal Rico goes out there and he says that if you do not welcome people seeking asylum at the southern border, you cannot call yourself a Christian.

[00:04:57]that is not going to sit well with Texas voters. So when we get to these issues and we talk about who James Terrio actually is because he was flying under the radar for a long period of time. The more high-profile candidate in the Democratic primary was Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, but the Democratic party bosses decided to kneecap her and anoint James Tarico as the nominee. They thought he was more quote electable, but uh I don't think that's going to be the case come November.

[00:05:22]So, of course, there is the other option, especially for voters here for of Ken Paxton. As you know, Katie, he he he does bring some ga some baggage to this race. Do you think that that's likely to present Telerico with a with campaign ad opportunities? I mean, did President Trump essentially make it easier on Telerico, but by wanting this seasoned Senator John Cornin out of the picture, you think?

[00:05:43]>> I mean, look, I can make an ad out of anything. So, if you're creative enough and you have a good enough campaign team around you, you can create an ad out of just about anything. But what I will say about Kim Paxton, he is someone who has won three statewide elections and all of his alleged baggage. It's already out there. Everybody knows everything and they've continued to reelect this man.

[00:05:59]Whereas James Terico has not had to face statewide scrutiny. He has not had to be on the national level and defend all of his radical past statements. So, I feel very confident that when voters get a chance to look at these two people and not just look at what their own decisions are that have impacted their lives, but the decisions that these two men will make and the policies that they will advocate for and how it impacts the lives of Texas families, voters are going to go with Ken Paxton every time.

[00:06:25]Megan, back to you. How can James Telerico aim for perhaps modern Republicans that that may be put off by Pen Paxton by Ken Paxton? Obviously, it is going to be far from easy in a state like Texas.

[00:06:39]>> I think he continues to talk about the actual issues that matter to people in Texas, and that's the economy. It always comes back to the economy. And Katie's right. He has some controversial statements that he's going to have to explain, and he should have to explain those statements. But what it really matters, the only issue that she mentioned was immigration, and those are things that she's going to have that he sorry, is going to have to explain. But I think that when you actually talk to voters in Texas who are very very concerned about how much they're paying for gas and how much they are paying for groceries and their utility bills, they are going to look for something different. They're not going to look for a morally bankrupt person who is literally impeached by his own party to be their representative in Congress. I think people are tired of the corrupt nature of politics and I think James Helerico gives them a fresh face. But I also think here we cannot underestimate the people who are running down ballot in this election to help James Perico also get votes from independents and moderate Republicans. Gina Henosa is running as a mom on a lot of maha moms are for her and those will bring people out to vote and they will vote for James Palico over Ken Paxton.

[00:07:42]>> Yeah, he's certainly fresh face. He he is perhaps not a very known name for many uh Megan. So, how does he sort of break through that and try to establish his brand? You think?

[00:07:54]>> I think he's already breaking through. I mean, he beat Jasmine Crockett as Katie mentioned. She was one a very formidable candidate. She just entered the race uh late. She did not have this type of money. But, you know, James Kerico is already going into communities. He's as from the valley. He's out there every day in these communities. And I think that he's breaking through in Texas. And I also think that when Donald Trump endorsed Ken Paxton, he already brought a lot of attention to this race. So, people who are tired of Trump's failed economic policies being in a war that we don't want to be in and impacting our gas prices, that already just raised his profile more for people looking for an alternative.

[00:08:28]>> Um, Katie, I wonder if we could close with you. Um, Democrats not winning the state there since 1994. I mean, the prospects you think of of of a Democrat rising on on a ballot come November.

[00:08:43]I see a repeat of the beta award playbook, relatively unknown, tries to mount a challenge for the US Senate, gets some fawning coverage in some nice magazine articles and ends up fading into obscurity. The only way you can think that a Democrat is going to win in Texas is if you count poll numbers the way James Telerico counts genders and you think there are six too.

[00:09:04]>> Yeah. Look, the reality is it is definitely not 2018. Um, Texans are talking about the economy as Megan just mentioned. It is heavy on their mind right now. So they're anxious to hear from both campaigns to see how they can make the lives of Texans better.

[00:09:18]Speaking as a Texan, Megan Hayes, Katie Frost, thank you both so much for your time. Really appreciate it. Thanks for the conversation.

[00:09:25]All right, everybody. Good morning.

[00:09:26]Let's begin in Texas where voters are waking up today with a much clearer picture of what lies ahead in the race for the US Senate this November. CNN projecting state attorney general Ken Paxton will be winning the Republican runoff against incumbent John Cornin by a wide margin. Corny Cornin held that seat since 2002. Paxton will be facing Democratic State Representative James Telerico in the midterm election come November and he's thanking US President Donald Trump for his endorsement.

[00:09:56]>> When everyone in Washington told him to abandon me and abandon the people of Texas, he didn't listen. Instead, he gave his complete and total endorsement.

[00:10:06]>> President Trump is the leader of our party and his endorsement in this most power is the most powerful force in politics.

[00:10:15]>> Democrat James Telerico wasting no time taking on his newly minted opponent. He will be holding his first general election rally today in the city of Houston. He also posted this campaign ad on social media shortly after Paxton's runoff win.

[00:10:32]The most corrupt politician in America just became the Republican nominee for the United States Senate. For 50 years, mega donors and their puppet politicians like Ken Paxton have stolen from us, but that ends this year.

[00:10:51]So, what happens next for the outgoing Senator Cornin? Here's CNN's chief congressional correspondent Manu Ranji to explain.

[00:11:00]After decades in Texas politics and holding his United States Senate seat since 2002, Senator John Cornin saw a lopsided loss, ending his career after Ken Paxton, the Texas Attorney General, won in a resounding fashion following the support he got from President Trump in the final days of this bitterly fought primary campaign for Cornin's seat. Now, Republican leaders had begged President Trump to get behind Cornin.

[00:11:29]They saw him as far more electable in a general election than Paxton who's had to weather a scandal after scandal in Texas. Impeachment scandals, personal scandals. He has survived from those scandals and also clearly thrived winning the Republican nomination so handily now facing James Tarico, the Democratic candidate in November, a race that which Democrats think that they can win because of those personal problems that Cornin and Republican leaders were warning about. But President Trump did not listen to those concerns. in fact got behind Ken Paxton because he saw him as more loyal than Cornin even though Cornin had boasted a voting record of nearly 100% of the time with Donald Trump though he did criticize Trump after January 6 and did not support Trump right away in the 2024 primary campaign. He ultimately did support President Trump in the 2024 primary and he ultimately voted to acquit Trump in the January 6 impeachment trial. But nevertheless, Trump decided to back Paxton. Paxton is now the nominee. And John Cornin, even in the hours ahead of polls closing on Tuesday, was warning his party about the impact it would have if Paxton were the nominee.

[00:12:37]>> If he's a nominee, hundreds of million, several hundred millions of dollars. U >> versus you, >> versus me. We can do it on our own. Uh we don't need outside help. Um, so the truth is that uh that's money that could be and should be better spent in places like Georgia, North Carolina, Michigan, and uh and uh New Hampshire. Um if the Texas Senate seat is in jeopardy, uh that really jeopardizes our majority uh because it will take away necessary resources to win these other seats that we're depending on uh to maintain the majority and perhaps grow it. Now, after the election was called for Paxton, Cornin came out to address reporters, talking to reporters who were invited to this small gathering at a hotel in Austin and talked about his career. His wife was by his side, his two daughters were by his side. He talked about the low turnout in the election, but he did acknowledge his loss and he said that the voters outspoken. He said he would support the Republican ticket in November, but he did not mention Paxton by name and he did not take questions from the reporters in the audience be perhaps in large part because this was such a bitterly fought campaign. Cornin had criticized Paxton relentlessly for months and now he's seeing Paxton win the nomination for his seat and potentially could take his seat in November.

[00:14:02]Manu Raju, CNN, Austin, Texas.

[00:14:07]>> All right, let's let's get some expert analysis on what will be quite a race.

[00:14:10]Now, Caroline Helman is a democratic strategist and professor of critical theory and social justice at Oxidental College. She joins me live from Los Angeles. 1 a.m. where you are, Caroline.

[00:14:19]Thank you so much for staying up late for us.

[00:14:22]>> Good to see you, Polo.

[00:14:24]>> How about we get your initial take and your initial analysis on this Texas runoff? What does it tell you about President Trump's power over the Republican party? I mean, clearly it is not enough to dedicate 99% loyalty to him.

[00:14:41]>> Well, it really shows his power with his base, even though we have seen a bit of an erosion from about 38% diehard support down to about 33% nationally. Boy, is is Trump endorsing candidates really making a difference. I mean, this wasn't just, you know, Cornin losing to Paxton. This was an absolute blowout with Paxton at about 65% of the vote uh and Cornin at about a third. And this is someone who has been in the Senate for multiple terms. And if if you remember from politics 101, incumbents in the Senate, uh about 90% of the time they get reelected. So, it really speaks to to that. But it also, you know, Trump has has set Texas up now to have a weaker candidate against James Terico.

[00:15:26]And I say a weaker candidate because while the MAGA base uh certainly decides who will, you know, advance to the primary election or to the general election from a primary, it is undecided voters who make that decision in the general election. And right now, the generic ballot nationally with independents, 33% favor Democrats.

[00:15:50]We've heard from Democrats who who call this really a gift that was delivered by Trump to Democrats as it may certainly a system when it comes to campaigning. Uh Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer also responded to the Texas results, calling it, as he described it, a nightmare scenario for Republicans, but also a step closer to winning a Senate majority for Democrats. In your view, Caroline, how likely is it that a Texas Democrat is likely to win a Senate seat?

[00:16:19]I still think it's a long shot. Uh even though James Terica would be the ideal candidate because he's actually not making much of a partisan pitch. This is a man, you know, a seminarian, a young guy who's in the state legislature who went on Joe Rogan's show and Joe Rogan after a couple of hours of talking to Taller Rico said, "You need to run for president." So, this is a man who can clearly reach across the party divide certainly to independence. Uh, with that said, you know, Texas is still a solidly red state. So, I think it would take a bit of a miracle for Democrats uh to pick that seat up. Now, if it's a massive wave election, there's a possibility that that could happen. I think, you know, races like Ohio and Alaska and Maine and North Carolina are more likely. Uh, but I will say Telerico has a better shot against Paxton than he had against Cornin. And I think that is why a lot of Democrats are celebrating tonight in Texas.

[00:17:15]>> In the last hour, Republican strategist Katie Frost told me that uh in in her view, Telerico is completely out of step with uh with Texas values. Uh we'll see how that plays out on the campaign trail, but in your view, you know, what's your response to that in terms of the challenges that Telerico may face?

[00:17:32]He he is not very well known. uh obviously uh so that potentially may be a challenge, but then also perhaps even even convincing viewers to see past some of his previous controversial comments.

[00:17:45]I mean, that that won't be easy for him, I take it.

[00:17:49]>> Well, let's see. I mean, I actually think he's ideally suited for Texas.

[00:17:53]Now, granted, I there are um older interviews where he talks about transgender issues that are not going to play well in Texas. um he's, you know, got some liberal positions that are simply not going to play well with the electorate there. However, he also is very much in sync with Texans in terms of his religious approach to things and he's not making it partisan. So, and I find him to be, you know, like like Paxton, frankly, very a very charismatic candidate, right? So, I think um this is going to be a highinterest race. He also has a fundraising advantage. You know, that Paxton is not a great fundraiser.

[00:18:27]Cornin was uh this is the most expensive primary race in history, Senate primary race. And that's not because of Paxton.

[00:18:34]That was Cornin. So I I imagine that Terrio if there was a candidate to run in Texas and do well, it would be him.

[00:18:41]Let's see whether or not the wave is big enough for Democrats.

[00:18:45]>> Yeah, we're all anxious to see what kind of substance comes from the campaign trail beyond any name calling and and really just those issues that uh Texans are truly worried about, including the economy. Caroline Heldman as always.

[00:18:57]Really appreciate the conversation.

[00:19:00]>> The Texas Takedown. It's become the biggest Senate race of the midterm cycle. This morning, the already record-breaking Texas Senate race is about to get even more expensive after Ken Paxton, backed by the president, trounced incumbent Republican Senator John Cornin. The Texas Attorney General won more than 63% of the vote from Texas Republicans. The biggest factor, what Paxton himself called the most powerful force in politics, president's endorsement. Clearly, voters followed the president's lead even after party leaders raised concerns, other party leaders, if you will, raised concerns about Paxton's viability in the general election. The Corning campaign shined light on the controversies that have followed Paxton for years, including facing charges of securities fraud and accusations of accepting bribes.

[00:19:49]allegation Paxton dismissed as politically motivated. There's also his 2023 impeachment and subsequent aqu quiddle. All of which the Democratic nominee James Talerico has made very clear that he will do his level best to now highlight. Another big thing to watch, the money Republicans already spent some $130 million as you can see.

[00:20:12]I mean, on this primary, this is just the primary. The runoff alone saw more than $30 million. Telerico has been raising big money for the general, bringing in $27 million in the first quarter alone. That's more than Cornin's 9 million and Paxton's two. Political reports that Telerico raised $600,000 in the first two hours after Paxton won last night. Now Paxton overcame that fundraising disadvantage once before.

[00:20:39]Clearly he's calling on supporters to help him do it again.

[00:20:44]>> Some people know him as Tofu Taller Rico.

[00:20:49]Some people call him sixgender Jimmy.

[00:20:53]I've even heard some people call him James Telerico. He can never become our senator, but I need your help. We know James Telerico is going to raise more money than any Democrat in America.

[00:21:07]This race now becomes a central focus for the Republican party and trying to make sure they they keep the seat to try also to prevent their now nominee from joining a list of what became doomed candidates that Trump has supported in the past. The likes of Hershel Walker in Georgia, Carrie Lake, Blake Masters in Arizona, MMT Oz when he ran for Senate in Pennsylvania. Meanwhile, John Cornin is now the eighth Republican incumbent to be pushed out by Trump backed challengers this cycle. And while he started the day calling Ken Paxton an embarrassment, John Cornin ended the night saying he will still support the Republican ticket.

[00:21:46]>> I've spent most of my time in the Senate building the Republican party in Texas and in the in the US Senate, and I've always supported the Republican ticket, and I intend to do so again in this general election.

[00:22:02]I've said throughout this race that I trust the voters of Texas and they've made their decision and I must respect it.

[00:22:14]And so glad you could join us. We do want to begin this hour with the power of an endorsement from US President Donald Trump. This time in Texas where CNN is now projecting state attorney general Ken Paxton will be defeating incumbent John Cornin in the Republican Senate runoff. No candidate got that necessary 50% of the vote back in the March primary. And it took President Trump more than two months to endorse Paxton. He will now be facing Democratic State Representative James Telerico in the November midterm election.

[00:22:46]>> Tonight is not the end of a campaign.

[00:22:48]Tonight is the beginning of the fight to preserve every value we hold dear.

[00:22:53]The future of Texas and the future of America is on the line >> and I intend to do everything I can to expand our movement.

[00:23:01]>> I've won three statewide elections because I know how critical it is for our party to come together and that's what we must do now. Without a shadow of a doubt, I will be the Democrat's number one target November.

[00:23:15]As for his opponent, Telerico, he is wasting no time, not only with his fundraising, but also going after Paxton, calling him the most corrupt politician in America.

[00:23:25]>> Rico posting this attack ad on X shortly after that race was called Tuesday.

[00:23:30]Tonight, >> three years ago, Ken Paxton was impeached by his own party for using his public office to enrich himself and his donors at the expense of the people.

[00:23:44]That kind of corruption is the rot at the core of this broken system.

[00:23:50]And our experts are standing by to discuss more on that in a moment. But first, we do want to get more on the runoff from CNN's Arlet Signs at Paxton headquarters in Plano, Texas.

[00:24:01]Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton celebrated his resounding defeat of four-term Senator John Cornin. A win that could have major implications for how competitive this Texas Senate race will be come November. Now, Paxton thanked President Donald Trump for his lastminute endorsement in this race, which really helped push Paxton across the finish line. The state attorney general told supporters here that the president's endorsement is the most powerful force within American politics.

[00:24:29]Take a listen.

[00:24:31]>> When everyone in Washington told him to abandon me and abandon the people of Texas, he didn't listen.

[00:24:36]>> Instead, he gave his complete and total endorsement.

[00:24:41]>> President Trump is the leader of our party and his endorsement in this most power is the most powerful force in politics.

[00:24:47]>> Now, Paxton used part of his speech to go on the attack against his Democratic opponent, state legislator James Talerico. He tried to argue that Taler Rico is a radical Democrat who is not in line with Texas conservative values and even gave nicknames to Taler Rico like Talico and Tofu Taler Rico. But Paxton also acknowledged that he expects to be Democrats number one target heading into the general election matchup in November. Throughout this campaign, Senator John Cornin and other Republicans warned that having Paxton at the top of the GOP ticket could be a liability for Republicans here in Texas, which is typically a very conservative state. For Taler Rico's part, he was very quick to release a a video after Paxton's victory, warning that he is the most corrupt politician in American politics. So this is really setting up what could be an expensive and bruising general election matchup as Paxton is set to take on Ter Rico in November.

[00:25:48]Arlet signs CNN Plano, Texas.

[00:25:53]>> All right, so what can we expect the next few months? Let's discuss all that and head over to Atlanta with Republican strategist Katie Frost. I'm also joined uh by Democratic strategist Megan Hayes who joins me from Washington. Welcome to you both. Thanks so much for taking the time.

[00:26:06]>> Thank you.

[00:26:07]>> Thank you for having us. Megan, let's start with you. What does James Telerico need to show if this uh Democrat hopes to win in a bright red state come November? You think?

[00:26:18]>> Yeah, I think he's already showing what he's made of and what he's going to do.

[00:26:21]He's going into communities. He's talking about the economy and that's where it really matters. None of these other issues matter. People in Texas are underwater with their electric bills and their gas prices and their their grocery prices and they just want relief. And you're in a state where the president's approval rating is underwater and also the governor's approval rating is in the 40s. So you have a really strong ticket in Terico and Gina Henoso is running for governor. So this is going to be a chance for for Democrats to turn Texas blue. It'll just be interesting to see how much money is spent here. The one benefit Democrats have is James Taller can raise money on its own where Jh where Paxton cannot. And so the Republicans are going to have to spend a lot of money to keep Texas in the Republican column.

[00:27:02]Katie Megan laying out a list of some of those real kitchen table issues that that the Texans really want to hear about over the next several months. Um so just from your point of view, how do you expect the Paxton campaign to portray their opponent James Telerico to voters especially those who may consider a moderate Democrat? That's if he presents himself as such. Uh you know they want to hear more about just that some of the name calling that you just heard about a little while ago as well.

[00:27:28]They want to hear about those issues.

[00:27:29]So, how do they go about that? You think?

[00:27:33]>> Well, you point out the fact that James Telerico may try to portray himself as a mocker, but he's actually a radical Democrat and he is far left. He's completely out of step with Texans and their values. This is a man who goes around saying that God is non-binary, that Jesus is a radical feminist. He said that science teaches us that there are not two biological genders and that there are actually six. This is someone who's completely out of step with where Texans are. He talks about how the American flag is a complicated symbol for so many. That is not what you're going to hear from your typical Texas voter. And when you realize that the border was a key issue in the 2024 election when President Trump saw historic gains among Hispanic voters because of the impact our southern border was having on Texas voters. And then Talerico goes out there and he says that if you do not welcome people seeking asylum at the southern border, you cannot call yourself a Christian.

[00:28:26]that is not going to sit well with Texas voters. So when we get to these issues and we talk about who James Terrio actually is because he was flying under the radar for a long period of time. The more high-profile candidate in the Democratic primary was Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, but the Democratic party bosses decided to kneecap her and anoint James Tarico as the nominee. They thought he was more quote electable, but uh I don't think that's going to be the case come November.

[00:28:51]So, of course, there is the other option, especially for voters here, for of Ken Paxton. As you know, Katie, he he he does bring some ga some baggage to this race. Do you think that that's likely to present Tel Rico with a with campaign ad opportunities? I mean, did President Trump essentially make it easier on Teler Rico, but by wanting this seasoned Senator John Cornin out of the picture, you think?

[00:29:13]>> I mean, look, I can make an ad out of anything. So, if you're creative enough and you have a good campaign team around you, you can create an ad out of just about anything. But what I will say about Kim Paxton, he is someone who has won three statewide elections and all of his alleged baggage, it's already out there. Everybody knows everything and they've continued to reelect this man.

[00:29:28]Whereas James Terico has not had to face statewide scrutiny. He has not had to be on the national level and defend all of his radical past statements. So, I feel very confident that when voters get a chance to look at these two people and not just look at what their own decisions are that have impacted their lives, but the decisions that these two men will make and the policies that they will advocate for and how it impacts the lives of Texas families, voters are going to go with Ken Paxton every time.

[00:29:54]>> Megan, back to you. How can James Telico aim for perhaps modern Republicans that that may be put off by Pen Paxton by Ken Paxton? viously it is going to be far from easy in a state like Texas.

[00:30:08]>> I think he continues to talk about the actual issues that matter to people in Texas and that's the economy. It always comes back to the economy and Katie's right. He has some controversial statements that he's going to have to explain and he should have to explain those statements. But what it really matters the only issue that she mentioned was immigration and those are things that she's going to have that he sorry is going to have to explain. But I think that when you actually talk to voters in Texas who are very very concerned about how much they're paying for gas and how much they are paying for groceries and their utility bills, they are going to look for something different. They're not going to look for a morally bankrupt person who is literally impeached by his own party to be their representative in Congress. I think people are tired of the corrupt nature of politics and I think James Helerico gives them a fresh face. But I also think here we cannot underestimate the people who are running down ballot in this election to help James Karico also get votes from independents and moderate Republicans. Gina Henosa is running as a mom on a lot of maha moms are for her and those will bring people out to vote and they will vote for James Perico over Ken Paxton.

[00:31:12]>> Yeah, he's certainly fresh face. He he is perhaps not a very known name for for many uh Megan. So, how does he sort of break through that and try to establish his brand? Do you think >> I think he's already breaking through? I mean, he beat Jasmine Crockett as Katie mentioned. She was one a very formidable candidate. She just entered the race uh late. She did not have this type of money. But, you know, James Perico is already going into communities. He's as from the valley. He's out there every day in these communities. And I think that he's breaking through in Texas. And I also think that when Donald Trump endorsed Ken Paxton, he already brought a lot of attention to this race. So, people who are tired of Trump's failed economic policies being in a war that we don't want to be in and impacting our gas prices, that already just raised his profile more for people looking for an alternative.

[00:31:58]>> Um Katie, I wonder if we could close with you. Um Democrats not winning the state there since 1994. I mean, the prospects you think of of of a Democrat rising on a on on a ballot come November.

[00:32:12]I see a repeat of the beta award playbook, relatively unknown, tries to mount a challenge for the US Senate, gets some fawning coverage in some nice magazine articles and ends up fading into obscurity. The only way you can think that a Democrat is going to win in Texas is if you count poll numbers the way James Telerico counts genders and you think there are six too.

[00:32:33]>> Yeah. Like the reality is it is definitely not 2018. Um Texans are talking about the economy as Megan just mentioned. It is heavy on their mind right now. So they're anxious to hear from both campaigns to see how they can make the lives of Texans better.

[00:32:47]Speaking as a Texan, Megan Hayes, Katie Frost, thank you both so much for your time. Really appreciate it. Thanks for the conversation.

[00:32:54]All right, everybody. Good morning.

[00:32:55]Let's begin in Texas where voters are waking up today with a much clearer picture of what lies ahead in the race for the US Senate this November. CNN projecting state attorney general Ken Paxton will be winning the Republican runoff against incumbent John Cornin by a wide margin. Corny Cornin held that seat since 2002. Paxton will be facing Democratic State Representative James Terico in the midterm election come November and he's thanking US President Donald Trump for his endorsement.

[00:33:26]>> When everyone in Washington told him to abandon me and abandon the people of Texas, he didn't listen. Instead, he gave his complete and total endorsement.

[00:33:36]>> President Trump is the leader of our party and his endorsement in this most power is the most powerful force in politics.

[00:33:44]>> Democrat James Terico wasting no time taking on his newly minted opponent. He will be holding his first general election rally today in the city of Houston. He also posted this campaign ad on social media shortly after Paxton's runoff win.

[00:34:01]The most corrupt politician in America just became the Republican nominee for the United States Senate. For 50 years, mega donors and their puppet politicians like Ken Paxton have stolen from us. But that ends this year.

[00:34:20]So what happens next for the outgoing Senator Cornin? Here's Ch CNN's chief congressional correspondent Manu Ranji to explain.

[00:34:29]After decades in Texas politics and holding his United States Senate seat since 2002, Senator John Cornin saw a lopsided loss, ending his career after Ken Paxton, the Texas Attorney General, won in a resounding fashion following the support he got from President Trump in the final days of this bitterly fought primary campaign for Cornin's seat. Now, Republican leaders had begged President Trump to get behind Cornin.

[00:34:58]They saw him as far more electable in a general election than Paxton who has had to weather a scandal after scandal in Texas. Impeachment scandals, personal scandals. He has survived from those scandals and also clearly thrived winning the Republican nomination so handily now facing James Tarico, the Democratic candidate in November, a race that which Democrats think that they can win because of those personal problems that Cornin and Republican leaders were warning about. But President Trump did not listen to those concerns. in fact got behind Ken Paxton because he saw him as more loyal than Cornin. Even though Cornin had boasted a voting record of nearly 100% of the time with Donald Trump, though he did criticize Trump after January 6 and did not support Trump right away in the 2024 primary campaign, he ultimately did support President Trump in the 2024 primary and he ultimately voted to acquit Trump in the January 6 impeachment trial. But nevertheless, Trump decided to back Paxton. Paxton is now the nominee. And John Cornin, even in the hours ahead of polls closing on Tuesday, was warning his party about the impact it would have if Paxton were the nominee.

[00:36:06]>> If he's a nominee, hundreds of million, several hundred millions of dollars. U >> versus you, >> versus me. We can do it on our own. Uh we don't need outside help. Um, so the truth is that uh that's money that could be and should be better spent in places like Georgia, North Carolina, Michigan, and uh and New Hampshire. Um, if the Texas Senate seat is in jeopardy, uh, that really jeopardizes our majority uh because it will take away necessary resources to win these other seats that we're depending on uh to maintain the majority and perhaps grow it. Now, after the election was called for Paxton, Cornin came out to address reporters, talking to reporters who were invited to this small gathering at a hotel in Austin and talked about his career. His wife was by his side, his two daughters were by his side. He talked about the low turnout in the election, but he did acknowledge his loss and he said that the voters outspoken. He said he would support the Republican ticket in November, but he did not mention Paxton by name and he did not take questions from the reporters in the audience be perhaps in large part because this was such a bitterly fought campaign. Cornin had criticized Paxton relentlessly for months and now he is seeing Paxton win the nomination for his seat and potentially could take his seat in November.

[00:37:32]Manu Raju, CNN, Austin, Texas.

[00:37:36]>> All right, let's let's get some expert analysis on what will be quite a race.

[00:37:39]Now, Caroline Helman is a Democratic strategist and professor of critical theory and social justice at Oxidental College. She joins me live from Los Angeles. 1 a.m. where you are, Caroline.

[00:37:48]Thank you so much for staying up late for us.

[00:37:51]>> Good to see you, Polo.

[00:37:54]>> How about we get your initial take and your initial analysis on this Texas runoff? What does it tell you about President Trump's power over the Republican party? I mean, clearly it is not enough to dedicate 99% loyalty to him.

[00:38:10]>> Well, it really shows his power with his base, even though we have seen a bit of an erosion from about 38% diehard support down to about 33% nationally.

[00:38:21]Boy, is is Trump endorsing candidates really making a difference. I mean, this wasn't just, you know, Cornin losing to Paxton. This was an absolute blowout with Paxton at about 65% of the vote, uh, and Cornin at about a third. And this is someone who has been in the Senate for multiple terms. And if if you remember from politics 101, incumbents in the Senate, uh, about 90% of the time they get reelected. So, it really speaks to to that. But it also, you know, Trump has has set Texas up now to have a weaker candidate against James Terico.

[00:38:56]And I say a weaker candidate because while the MAGA base uh certainly decides who will, you know, advance to the primary election or to the general election from a primary, it is undecided voters who make that decision in the general election. And right now, the generic ballot nationally with independents, 33% favor Democrats.

[00:39:19]We've heard from Democrats who who call this really a gift that was delivered by Trump to Democrats is it may certainly assist a system when it comes to campaigning. Uh Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer also responded to the Texas results calling it as he described it a nightmare scenario for Republicans but also a step closer to winning a Senate majority for Democrats. In your view, Caroline, how likely is it that a Texas Democrat is likely to win a Senate seat?

[00:39:49]I still think it's a long shot. Uh even though James Terica would be the ideal candidate because he's actually not making much of a partisan pitch. This is a man, you know, a seminarian uh young guy who's in the state legislature who went on Joe Rogan's show and Joe Rogan after a couple hours of talking to Terico said, "You need to run for president." So this is a man who can clearly reach across the party divide certainly to independence. Uh, with that said, you know, Texas is still a solidly red state. So, I think it would take a bit of a miracle for Democrats uh to pick that seat up. Now, if it's a massive wave election, there's a possibility that that could happen. I think, you know, races like Ohio and Alaska and Maine and North Carolina are more likely. Uh, but I will say Terrio has a better shot against Paxton than he had against Cornet. And I think that is why a lot of Democrats are celebrating tonight in Texas.

[00:40:44]>> In the last hour, Republican strategist Katie Frost told me that uh in in her view, Telerico is completely out of step with uh with Texas values. Uh we'll see how that plays out on the campaign trail, but in your view, you know, what's your response to that in terms of the challenges that Telerico may face?

[00:41:01]He he is not very well known. uh obviously uh so that potentially may be a challenge, but then also perhaps even even convincing viewers to see past some of his previous controversial comments.

[00:41:14]I mean, that that won't be easy for him, I take it.

[00:41:18]>> Well, let's see. I mean, I actually think he's ideally suited for Texas.

[00:41:22]Now, granted, I there are um older interviews where he talks about transgender issues that are not going to play well in Texas. um he's, you know, got some liberal positions that are simply not going to play well with the electorate there. However, he also is very much in sync with Texans in terms of his religious approach to things and he's not making it partisan. So, and I find him to be, you know, like like Paxton, frankly, very a very charismatic candidate, right? So, I think um this is going to be a highinterest race. He also has a fundraising advantage. You know, that Paxton is not a great fundraiser.

[00:41:56]Cornin was uh this is the most expensive primary race in history, Senate primary race. And that's not because of Paxton.

[00:42:03]That was Cornin. So I I imagine that Taler Rico, if there was a candidate to run in Texas and do well, it would be him. Let's see whether or not the wave is big enough for Democrats.

[00:42:14]>> Yeah, we're all anxious to see what kind of substance comes from the campaign trail beyond any name calling and and really just those issues that uh Texans are truly worried about, including the economy. Caroline Heldman as always.

[00:42:26]Really appreciate the conversation.

[00:42:29]>> The Texas Takedown. It's become the biggest center race of the midterm cycle. This morning, the already record-breaking Texas Senate race is about to get even more expensive after Ken Paxton, backed by the president, trounced incumbent Republican Senator John Cornin. The Texas Attorney General won more than 63% of the vote from Texas Republicans. The biggest factor, what Paxton himself called the most powerful force in politics, president's endorsement.

[00:42:57]Clearly, voters followed the president's lead even after party leaders raised concerns, other party leaders, if you will, raised concerns about Paxton's viability in the general election. The Corning campaign shined light on the controversies that have followed Paxton for years, including facing charges of securities fraud and accusations of accepting bribes. allegation Paxton dismissed as politically motivated.

[00:43:21]There's also his 2023 impeachment and subsequent acquitt. All of which the Democratic nominee James Tarico has made very clear that he will do his level best to now highlight. Another big thing to watch the money Republicans already spent some $130 million as you can see.

[00:43:41]I mean on this primary this is just the primary. The runoff alone saw more than $30 million. Telerico has been raising big money for the general, bringing in $27 million in the first quarter alone.

[00:43:53]That's more than Cornin's 9 million and Paxton's two. Political reports that Terico raised $600,000 in the first two hours after Paxton won last night. Now, Paxton overcame that fundraising disadvantage once before. Clearly, he's calling on supporters to help him do it again.

[00:44:13]>> Some people know him as Tofu Talerico.

[00:44:18]Some people call him sixgender Jimmy.

[00:44:23]I've even heard some people call him James Telerico. He can never become our senator, but I need your help. We know James Telerico is going to raise more money than any Democrat in America.

[00:44:36]This race now becomes a central focus for the Republican party and trying to make sure they they keep the seat to try also to prevent their now nominee from joining a list of what became doomed candidates that Trump has supported in the past. The likes of Hershel Walker in Georgia, Carrie Lake, Blake Masters in Arizona, MeT Oz when he ran for Senate in Pennsylvania. Meanwhile, John Cornin is now the eighth Republican incumbent to be pushed out by Trump backed challengers this cycle. And while he started the day calling Ken Paxton an embarrassment, John Cornin ended the night saying he will still support the Republican ticket.

[00:45:15]>> I've spent most of my time in the Senate building the Republican party in Texas and in the in the US Senate, and I've always supported the Republican ticket, and I intend to do so again in this general election.

[00:45:32]I've said throughout this race that I trust the voters of Texas and they've made their decision and I must respect it.

[00:45:43]And so glad you could join us. We do want to begin this hour with the power of an endorsement from US President Donald Trump. This time in Texas where CNN is now projecting state attorney general Ken Paxton will be defeating incumbent John Cornin in the Republican Senate runoff. No candidate got that necessary 50% of the vote back in the March primary. And it took President Trump more than two months to endorse Paxton. He will now be facing Democratic State Representative James Telerico in the November midterm election.

[00:46:16]>> Tonight is not the end of a campaign.

[00:46:17]Tonight is the beginning of the fight to preserve every value we hold dear.

[00:46:22]The future of Texas and the future of America is on the line >> and I intend to do everything I can to expand our movement.

[00:46:30]>> I've won three statewide elections because I know how critical it is for our party to come together and that's what we must do now. Without a shadow of a doubt, I will be the Democrat's number one target November.

[00:46:44]As for his opponent, Telerico, he is wasting no time, not only with his fundraising, but also going after Paxton, calling him the most corrupt politician in America.

[00:46:54]>> Rico posting this attack ad on X shortly after that race was called Tuesday.

[00:47:01]>> Three years ago, Ken Paxton was impeached by his own party for using his public office to enrich himself and his donors at the expense of the people.

[00:47:13]That kind of corruption is the rot at the core of this broken system.

[00:47:19]>> And our experts are standing by to discuss more on that in a moment. But first, we do want to get more on the runoff from CNN's Arlet Signs at Paxton headquarters in Plano, Texas.

[00:47:30]>> Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton celebrated his resounding defeat of fourterm Senator John Cornin. a win that could have major implications for how competitive this Texas Senate race will be come November. Now, Paxton thanked President Donald Trump for his last minute endorsement in this race, which really helped push Paxton across the finish line. The state attorney general told supporters here that the president's endorsement is the most powerful force within American politics.

[00:47:58]Take a listen.

[00:48:00]>> When everyone in Washington told him to abandon me and abandon the people of Texas, he didn't listen. Instead, he gave his complete and total endorsement.

[00:48:10]>> President Trump is the leader of our party and his endorsement in this most power is the most powerful force in politics.

[00:48:16]>> Now, Paxton used part of his speech to go on the attack against his Democratic opponent, state legislator James Terico.

[00:48:24]He tried to argue that Taler Rico is a radical Democrat who is not in line with Texas conservative values and even gave nicknames to Terico like Talico and Tofu Taler Rico. But Paxton also acknowledged that he expects to be Democrat's number one target heading into the general election matchup in November. Throughout this campaign, Senator John Cornin and other Republicans warned that having Paxton at the top of the GOP ticket could be a liability for Republicans here in Texas, which is typically a very conservative state. For Taler Rico's part, he was very quick to release a a video after Paxton's victory warning that he is the most corrupt politician in American politics. So this is really setting up what could be an expensive and bruising general election matchup as Paxton is set to take on Ter Rico in November. Arlet signs CNN Plano, Texas.

[00:49:22]>> All right, so what can we expect the next few months? Let's discuss all that and head over to Atlanta with Republican strategist Katie Frost. I'm also joined uh by Democratic strategist Megan Hayes who joins me from Washington. Welcome to you both. Thanks so much for taking the time.

[00:49:35]>> Thank you.

[00:49:36]>> Thank you for having us. Megan, let's start with you. What does James Telerico need to show if this uh Democrat hopes to win in a bright red state come November? You think?

[00:49:47]>> Yeah, I think he's already showing what he's made of and what he's going to do.

[00:49:50]He's going into communities. He's talking about the economy and that's where it really matters. None of these other issues matter. People in Texas are underwater with their electric bills and their gas prices and their their grocery prices and they just want relief. And you're in a state where the president's approval rating is underwater and also the governor's approval rating is in the 40s. So you have a really strong ticket in Terico and Gina Henosa is running for governor. So this is going to be a chance for for Democrats to turn Texas blue. It'll just be interesting to see how much money is spent here. The one benefit Democrats have is James Taller can raise money on its own where Jh where Paxton cannot. And so the Republicans are going to have to spend a lot of money to keep Texas in the Republican column.

[00:50:31]Katie Megan laying out a list of some of those real kitchen table issues that that the Texans really want to hear about over the next several months. Um so just from your point of view, how do you expect the Paxton campaign to portray their opponent James Telerico to voters especially those who may consider a moderate Democrat? That's if he presents himself as such. Uh you know they want to hear more about just that some of the name calling that you just heard about a little while ago as well.

[00:50:57]They want to hear about those issues.

[00:50:58]So, how do they go about that? You think?

[00:51:02]>> Well, you point out the fact that James Telerico may try to portray himself as a mocker, but he's actually a radical Democrat and he is far left. He's completely out of step with Texans and their values. This is a man who goes around saying that God is non-binary, that Jesus is a radical feminist. He said that science teaches us that there are not two biological genders and that there are actually six. This is someone who's completely out of step with where Texans are. He talks about how the American flag is a complicated symbol for so many. That is not what you're going to hear from your typical Texas voter. And when you realize that the border was a key issue in the 2024 election when President Trump saw historic gains among Hispanic voters because of the impact our southern border was having on Texas voters. And then Talerico goes out there and he says that if you do not welcome people seeking asylum at the southern border, you cannot call yourself a Christian.

[00:51:55]that is not going to sit well with Texas voters. So when we get to these issues and we talk about who James Terico actually is because he was flying under the radar for a long period of time. The more high-profile candidate in the Democratic primary was Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, but the Democratic party bosses decided to kneecap her and anoint James Tarico as the nominee. They thought he was more quote electable, but uh I don't think that's going to be the case come November.

[00:52:20]So, of course, there is the other option, especially for voters here for of Ken Paxton. As you know, Katie, he he he does bring some ga some baggage to this race. Do you think that that's likely to present Telerico with a with campaign ad opportunities? I mean, did President Trump essentially make it easier on Telerico, but by wanting this seasoned Senator John Cornin out of the picture, you think?

[00:52:42]>> I mean, look, I can make an ad out of anything. So, if you're creative enough and you have a good campaign team Moran, you can create an ad out of just about anything. But what I will say about Kim Paxton, he is someone who has won three statewide elections and all of his alleged baggage, it's already out there.

[00:52:55]Everybody knows everything and they've continued to reelect this man. Whereas James Terico has not had to face statewide scrutiny. He has not had to be on the national level and defend all of his radical past statements. So, I feel very confident that when voters get a chance to look at these two people and not just look at what their own decisions are that have impacted their lives, but the decisions that these two men will make and the policies that they will advocate for and how it impacts the lives of Texas families, voters are going to go with Ken Paxton every time.

[00:53:23]>> Megan, back to you. How can James Terico aim for perhaps modern Republicans that that may be put off by Pen Paxton by Ken Paxton? viously it is going to be far from easy in a state like Texas.

[00:53:37]>> I think he continues to talk about the actual issues that matter to people in Texas and that's the economy. It always comes back to the economy and Katie's right. He has some controversial statements that he's going to have to explain and he should have to explain those statements. But what it really matters the only issue that she mentioned was immigration and those are things that she's going to have that he sorry is going to have to explain. But I think that when you actually talk to voters in Texas who are very very concerned about how much they're paying for gas and how much they are paying for groceries and their utility bills, they are going to look for something different. They're not going to look for a morally bankrupt person who is literally impeached by his own party to be their representative in Congress. I think people are tired of the corrupt nature of politics and I think James Herico gives them a fresh face. But I also think here we cannot underestimate the people who are running down ballot in this election to help James Tarico also get votes from independents and moderate Republicans. Gina Henho is running as a mom on a lot of maha moms are for her and those will bring people out to vote and they will vote for James Herico over Ken Paxton.

[00:54:41]>> Yeah, he's certainly fresh face. He he is perhaps not a very known name for for many uh Megan. So, how does he sort of break through that and try to establish his brand? Do you think >> I think he's already breaking through? I mean, he beat Jasmine Crockett as Katie mentioned. She was one a very formidable candidate. She just entered the race uh late. She did not have this type of money. But, you know, James Herico is already going into communities. He's as from the valley. He's out there every day in these communities. And I think that he's breaking through in Texas. And I also think that when Donald Trump endorsed Ken Paxton, he already brought a lot of attention to this race. people who are tired of Trump's failed economic policies being in a war that we don't want to be in and impacting our gas prices. That already just raised his profile more for people looking for an alternative.

[00:55:27]>> Um Katie, I wonder if we could close with you. Um Democrats not winning the state there since 1994. I mean, the prospects you think of of of a Democrat rising on a on on a ballot come November.

[00:55:41]I see a repeat of the beta award playbook, relatively unknown, tries to mount a challenge for the US Senate, gets some fawning coverage in some nice magazine articles and ends up fading into obscurity. The only way you can think that a Democrat is going to win in Texas is if you count poll numbers the way James Telerico counts genders and you think there are six too.

[00:56:02]>> Yeah. Like the reality is it is definitely not 2018. Um Texans are talking about the economy as Megan just mentioned. It is heavy on their mind right now. So they're anxious to hear from both campaigns to see how they can make the lives of Texans better.

[00:56:16]Speaking as a Texan, Megan Hayes, Katie Frost, thank you both so much for your time. Really appreciate it. Thanks for the conversation.

[00:56:23]All right, everybody. Good morning.

[00:56:24]Let's begin in Texas where voters are waking up today with a much clearer picture of what lies ahead in the race for the US Senate this November. CNN projecting state attorney general Ken Paxton will be winning the Republican runoff against incumbent John Cornin by a wide margin. Corny Cornin held that seat since 2002. Paxton will be facing Democratic State Representative James Telerico in the midterm election come November and he's thanking US President Donald Trump for his endorsement.

[00:56:55]>> When everyone in Washington told him to abandon me and abandon the people of Texas, he didn't listen. Instead, he gave his complete and total endorsement.

[00:57:05]>> President Trump is the leader of our party and his endorsement in this most power is the most powerful force in politics.

[00:57:13]>> Democrat James Telerico wasting no time taking on his newly minted opponent. He will be holding his first general election rally today in the city of Houston. He also posted this campaign ad on social media shortly after Paxton's runoff win.

[00:57:30]The most corrupt politician in America just became the Republican nominee for the United States Senate. For 50 years, mega donors and their puppet politicians like Ken Paxton have stolen from us. But that ends this year.

[00:57:49]>> So what happens next for the outgoing Senator Cornin? Here's CNN's chief congressional correspondent Manu Ranji to explain.

[00:57:58]After decades in Texas politics and holding his United States Senate seat since 2002, Senator John Cornin saw a lopsided loss, ending his career after Ken Paxton, the Texas Attorney General, won in a resounding fashion following the support he got from President Trump in the final days of this bitterly fought primary campaign for Cornin's seat. Now, Republican leaders had begged President Trump to get behind Cornin.

[00:58:27]They saw him as far more electable in a general election than Paxton who has had to weather scandal after scandal in Texas. Impeachment scandals, personal scandals. He has survived from those scandals and also clearly thrived winning the Republican nomination so handily now facing James Tarico, the Democratic candidate in November, a race that which Democrats think that they can win because of those personal problems that Cornin and Republican leaders were warning about. But President Trump did not listen to those concerns. in fact got behind Ken Paxton because he saw him as more loyal than Cornin. Even though Cornin had boasted a voting record of nearly 100% of the time with Donald Trump, though he did criticize Trump after January 6 and did not support Trump right away in the 2024 primary campaign, he ultimately did support President Trump in the 2024 primary and he ultimately voted to acquit Trump in the January 6th impeachment trial. But nevertheless, Trump decided to back Paxton. Paxton is now the nominee. And John Cornin, even in the hours ahead of polls closing on Tuesday, was warning his party about the impact it would have if Paxton were the nominee.

[00:59:35]>> If he's a nominee, hundreds of million, several hundred millions of dollars. U >> versus you, >> versus me. We can do it on our own. Uh we don't need outside help. Um, so the truth is that uh that's money that could be and should be better spent in places like Georgia, North Carolina, Michigan, and uh and uh New Hampshire. Um if the Texas Senate seat is in jeopardy, uh that really jeopardizes our majority uh because it will take away necessary resources to win these other seats that we're depending on uh to maintain the majority and perhaps grow it. Now, after the election was called for Paxton, Cornin came out to address reporters, talking to reporters who were invited to this small gathering at a hotel in Austin and talked about his career. His wife was by his side, his two daughters were by his side. He talked about the low turnout in the election, but he did acknowledge his loss and he said that the voters outspoken. He said he would support the Republican ticket in November, but he did not mention Paxton by name and he did not take questions from the reporters in the audience be perhaps in large part because this was such a bitterly fought campaign. Cornin had criticized Paxton relentlessly for months and now he is seeing Paxton win the nomination for his seat and potentially could take his seat in November.

[01:01:01]Manu Raju, CNN, Austin, Texas.

[01:01:05]>> All right, let's let's get some expert analysis on what will be quite a race.

[01:01:08]Now, Caroline Helman is a Democratic strategist and professor of critical theory and social justice at Oxidental College. She joins me live from Los Angeles. 1 a.m. where you are, Caroline.

[01:01:18]Thank you so much for staying up late for us.

[01:01:20]>> Good to see you, Polo.

[01:01:23]>> How about we get your initial take and your initial analysis on this Texas runoff? What does it tell you about President Trump's power over the Republican party? I mean, clearly it is not enough to dedicate 99% loyalty to him.

[01:01:39]>> Well, it really shows his power with his base. Even though we have seen a bit of an erosion from about 38% diehard support down to about 33% nationally.

[01:01:50]Boy, is is Trump endorsing candidates really making a difference. I mean, this wasn't just, you know, Cornin losing to Paxton. This was an absolute blowout with Paxton at about 65% of the vote, uh, and Cornin at about a third. And this is someone who has been in the Senate for multiple terms. And if if you remember from politics 101, incumbents in the Senate, uh, about 90% of the time they get reelected. So, it really speaks to to that. But it also, you know, Trump has has set Texas up now to have a weaker candidate against James Terico.

[01:02:25]And I say a weaker candidate because while the MAGA base uh certainly decides who will, you know, advance to the primary election or to the general election from a primary, it is undecided voters who make that decision in the general election. And right now, the generic ballot nationally with independents, 33% favor Democrats.

[01:02:48]We've heard from Democrats who who call this really a gift that was delivered by Trump to Democrats as it may certainly assist a system when it comes to campaigning. Uh Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer also responded to the Texas results, calling it, as he described it, a nightmare scenario for Republicans, but also a step closer to winning a Senate majority for Democrats.

[01:03:10]In your view, Caroline, how likely is it that a Texas Democrat is likely to win a Senate seat?

[01:03:18]I still think it's a long shot. Uh even though James Terriica would be the ideal candidate because he's actually not making much of a partisan pitch. This is a man, you know, a seminarian uh young guy who's in the state legislature who went on Joe Rogan's show and Joe Rogan after a couple of hours of talking to Terico said, "You need to run for president." So this is a man who can clearly reach across the party divide certainly to independence. Uh, with that said, you know, Texas is still a solidly red state. So, I think it would take a bit of a miracle for Democrats uh to pick that seat up. Now, if it's a massive wave election, there's a possibility that that could happen. I think, you know, races like Ohio and Alaska and Maine and North Carolina are more likely. Uh, but I will say Terico has a better shot against Paxton than he had against Cornet. And I think that is why a lot of Democrats are celebrating tonight in Texas.

[01:04:13]>> In the last hour, Republican strategist Katie Frost told me that uh in in her view, Telerico is completely out of step with uh with Texas values. Uh we'll see how that plays out on the campaign trail, but in your view, you know, what's your response to that in terms of the challenges that Telerico may face?

[01:04:30]He he is not very well known. uh obviously uh so that potentially may be a challenge, but then also perhaps even even convincing viewers to see past some of his previous controversial comments.

[01:04:43]I mean, that that won't be easy for him, I take it.

[01:04:47]>> Well, let's see. I mean, I actually think he's ideally suited for Texas.

[01:04:51]Now, granted, I there are um older interviews where he talks about transgender issues that are not going to play well in Texas. um he's, you know, got some liberal positions that are simply not going to play well with the electorate there. However, he also is very much in sync with Texans in terms of his religious approach to things and he's not making it partisan. So, and I find him to be, you know, like like Paxton, frankly, very a very charismatic candidate, right? So, I think um this is going to be a highinterest race. He also has a fundraising advantage. You know, that Paxton is not a great fundraiser.

[01:05:26]Hornin was uh this is the most expensive primary race in history, Senate primary race and that's not because of Paxton that was Cornin. So I I imagine that Taler Rico if there was a candidate to run in Texas and do well it would be him. Let's see whether or not the wave is big enough for Democrats.

[01:05:43]>> Yeah, we're all anxious to see what kind of substance comes from the campaign trail beyond any name calling and and really just those issues that uh Texans are truly worried about including the economy. Caroline Heldman as always.

[01:05:55]Really appreciate the conversation.

[01:05:58]>> The Texas Takedown. It's become the biggest center race of the midterm cycle. This morning, the already record-breaking Texas center race is about to get even more expensive after Ken Paxton, backed by the president trounced incumbent Republican Senator John Cornin. The Texas Attorney General won more than 63% of the vote from Texas Republicans. The biggest factor, what Paxton himself called the most powerful force in politics, president's endorsement.

[01:06:26]Clearly, voters followed the president's lead even after party leaders raised concerns, other party leaders, if you will, raised concerns about Paxton's viability in the general election. The Corning campaign shined light on the controversies that have followed Paxton for years, including facing charges of securities fraud and accusations of accepting bribes. allegation Paxton dismissed as politically motivated.

[01:06:50]There's also his 2023 impeachment and subsequent acquitt. All of which the Democratic nominee James Talerico has made very clear that he will do his level best to now highlight. Another big thing to watch, the money Republicans already spent some $130 million as you can see. I mean, on this primary, this is just the primary. The runoff alone saw more than $30 million. Terico has been raising big money for the general, bringing in $27 million in the first quarter alone. That's more than Cornin's 9 million and Paxton's two. Political reports that Terico raised $600,000 in the first two hours after Paxton won last night. Now Paxton overcame that fundraising disadvantage once before.

[01:07:37]Clearly, he's calling on supporters to help him do it again.

[01:07:42]>> Some people know him as Tofu Taller Rico.

[01:07:47]Some people call him sixgender Jimmy.

[01:07:52]I've even heard some people call him James Telerico. He can never become our senator, but I need your help. We know James Telerico is going to raise more money than any Democrat in America.

[01:08:05]This race now becomes a central focus for the Republican party and trying to make sure they they keep the seat to try also to prevent their now nominee from joining a list of what became doomed candidates that Trump has supported in the past. The likes of Hershel Walker in Georgia, Carrie Lake, Blake Masters in Arizona, Memed Oz when he ran for Senate in Pennsylvania. Meanwhile, John Cornin is now the eighth Republican incumbent to be pushed out by Trump backed challengers this cycle. And while he started the day calling Ken Paxton an embarrassment, John Cornin ended the night saying he will still support the Republican ticket.

[01:08:44]>> I've spent most of my time in the Senate building the Republican party in Texas and in the in the US Senate, and I've always supported the Republican ticket, and I intend to do so again in this general election.

[01:09:01]I've said throughout this race that I trust the voters of Texas and they've made their decision and I must respect it.

[01:09:12]And so glad you could join us. We do want to begin this hour with the power of an endorsement from US President Donald Trump. This time in Texas where CNN is now projecting state attorney general Ken Paxton will be defeating incumbent John Cornin in the Republican Senate runoff. No candidate got that necessary 50% of the vote back in the March primary. And it took President Trump more than two months to endorse Paxton. He will now be facing Democratic State Representative James Telerico in the November midterm election.

[01:09:45]>> Tonight is not the end of a campaign.

[01:09:47]Tonight is the beginning of the fight to preserve every value we hold dear.

[01:09:51]>> The future of Texas and the future of America is on the line. and I intend to do everything I can to expand our movement. I've won three statewide elections because I know how critical it is for our party to come together and that's what we must do now. Without a shadow of a doubt, I will be the Democrat's number one target November.

[01:10:13]>> As for his opponent, Telerico, he is wasting no time, not only with his fundraising, but also going after Paxton, calling him the most corrupt politician in America. so much >> posting this attack at onx shortly after that race was called Tuesday.

[01:10:28]>> Tonight, >> three years ago, Ken Paxton was impeached by his own party for using his public office to enrich himself and his donors at the expense of the people.

[01:10:42]That kind of corruption is the rot at the core of this broken system.

[01:10:49]>> And our experts are standing by to discuss more on that in a moment. But first, we do want to get more on the runoff from CNN's Arlet Signs at Paxton headquarters in Plano, Texas.

[01:10:59]>> Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton celebrated his resounding defeat of four-term Senator John Cornin. A win that could have major implications for how competitive this Texas Senate race will be come November. Now, Paxton thanked President Donald Trump for his last minute endorsement in this race, which really helped push Paxton across the finish line. The state attorney general told supporters here that the president's endorsement is the most powerful force within American politics.

[01:11:27]Take a listen.

[01:11:29]>> When everyone in Washington told him to abandon me and abandon the people of Texas, he didn't listen.

[01:11:35]>> Instead, he gave his complete and total endorsement.

[01:11:39]>> President Trump is the leader of our party and his endorsement in this most power is the most powerful force in politics. Now Paxton used part of his speech to go on the attack against his Democratic opponent, state legislator James Taler Rico. He tried to argue that Taler Rico is a radical Democrat who is not in line with Texas conservative values and even gave nicknames to Terico like Talico and Tofu Terico. But Taxton also acknowledged that he expects to be Democrat's number one target heading into the general election matchup in November. Throughout this campaign, Senator John Cornin and other Republicans warned that having Paxton at the top of the GOP ticket could be a liability for Republicans here in Texas, which is typically a very conservative state. For Taler Rico's part, he was very quick to release a a video after Paxton's victory, warning that he is the most corrupt politician in American politics. So this is really setting up what could be an expensive and bruising general election matchup as Paxton is set to take on Ter Rico in November.

[01:12:46]Arlet signs CNN Plano, Texas.

[01:12:51]>> All right, so what can we expect the next few months? Let's discuss all that and head over to Atlanta with Republican strategist Katie Frost. I'm also joined uh by Democratic strategist Megan Hayes who joins me from Washington. Welcome to you both. Thanks so much for taking the time.

[01:13:05]>> Thank you.

[01:13:05]>> Thank you for having us. Megan, let's start with you. What does James Telerico need to show if this uh Democrat hopes to win in a bright red state come November? You think?

[01:13:16]>> Yeah, I think he's already showing what he's made of and what he's going to do.

[01:13:20]He's going into communities. He's talking about the economy and that's where it really matters. None of these other issues matter. People in Texas are underwater with their electric bills and their gas prices and their their grocery prices and they just want relief. And you're in a state where the president's approval rating is underwater and also the governor's approval rating is in the 40s. So you have a really strong ticket in Taler Rico and Gina Henoso is running for governor. So this is going to be a chance for for Democrats to turn Texas blue. It'll just be interesting to see how much money is spent here. The one benefit Democrats have is James Taller can raise money on its own where Jh where Paxton cannot. And so the Republicans are going to have to spend a lot of money to keep Texas in the Republican column.

[01:14:00]Katie Megan laying out a list of some of those real kitchen table issues that that the Texans really want to hear about over the next several months. Um so just from your point of view, how do you expect the Paxton campaign to portray their opponent James Telerico to voters especially those who may consider a moderate Democrat? That's if he presents himself as such. Uh you know they want to hear more about just that some of the name calling that you just heard about a little while ago as well.

[01:14:26]They want to hear about those issues.

[01:14:28]So, how do they go about that? You think?

[01:14:31]>> Well, you point out the fact that James Telerico may try to portray himself as a moderate, but he's actually a radical Democrat and he is far left. He's completely out of step with Texans and their values. This is a man who goes around saying that God is non-binary, that Jesus is a radical feminist. He said that science teaches us that there are not two biological genders and that there are actually six. This is someone who's completely out of step with where Texans are. He talks about how the American flag is a complicated symbol for so many. That is not what you're going to hear from your typical Texas voter. And when you realize that the border was a key issue in the 2024 election when President Trump saw historic gains among Hispanic voters because of the impact our southern border was having on Texas voters. And then Talerico goes out there and he says that if you do not welcome people seeking asylum at the southern border, you cannot call yourself a Christian.

[01:15:24]that is not going to sit well with Texas voters. So when we get to these issues and we talk about who James Terico actually is because he was flying under the radar for a long period of time. The more high-profile candidate in the Democratic primary was Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, but the Democratic party bosses decided to kneecap her and anoint James Tarico as the nominee. They thought he was more quote electable, but uh I don't think that's going to be the case come November.

[01:15:49]So, of course, there is the other option, especially for voters here for of Ken Paxton. As you know, Kitty, he he does bring some g some baggage to this race. Do you think that that's likely to present Telerico with a w with campaign ad opportunities? I mean, did President Trump essentially make it easier on Telerico, but by wanting this seasoned senator John Cornin out of the picture, you think?

[01:16:11]>> I mean, look, I can make an ad out of anything. So, if you're creative enough and you have a good enough campaign team, Moran, you can create an ad out of just about anything. But what I will say about Kim Paxton, he is someone who has won three statewide elections and all of his alleged baggage, it's already out there. Everybody knows everything and they've continued to reelect this man.

[01:16:26]Whereas James Terrio has not had to face statewide scrutiny. He has not had to be on the national level and defend all of his radical past statements. So, I feel very confident that when voters get a chance to look at these two people and not just look at what their own decisions are that have impacted their lives, but the decisions that these two men will make and the policies that they will advocate for and how it impacts the lives of Texas families, voters are going to go with Ken Paxton every time.

[01:16:52]Megan, back to you. How can James Terico aim for perhaps modern Republicans that that may be put off by Pen Paxton by Ken Paxton? Obviously, it is going to be far from easy in a state like Texas.

[01:17:06]>> I think he continues to talk about the actual issues that matter to people in Texas, and that's the economy. It always comes back to the economy. And Katie's right. He has some controversial statements that he's going to have to explain, and he should have to explain those statements. But what it really matters, the only issue that she mentioned was immigration. And those are things that she's going to have that he sorry, is going to have to explain. But I think that when you actually talk to voters in Texas who are very very concerned about how much they're paying for gas and how much they are paying for groceries and their utility bills, they are going to look for something different. They're not going to look for a morally bankrupt person who is literally impeached by his own party to be their representative in Congress. I think people are tired of the corrupt nature of politics and I think James Herico gives them a fresh face. But I also think here we cannot underestimate the people who are running down ballot in this election to help James Terico also get votes from independents and moderate Republicans. Gina Henhose is running as a mom on a like a lot of maha moms are for her and those will bring people out to vote and they will vote for James Herico over Ken Paxton.

[01:18:10]>> Yeah, he's certainly freshaced. He he is perhaps not a very known name for for many uh Megan. So, how does he sort of break through that and try to establish his brand? Do you think >> I think he's already breaking through? I mean, he beat Jasmine Crockett as Katie mentioned. She was one a very formidable candidate. She just entered the race uh late. She did not have this type of money. But, you know, James Herico is already going into communities. He's as from the valley. He's out there every day in these communities. And I think that he's breaking through in Texas. And I also think that when Donald Trump endorsed Ken Paxton, he already brought a lot of attention to this race. know, people who are tired of Trump's failed economic policies being in a war that we don't want to be in and impacting our gas prices. That already just raised his profile more for people looking for an alternative.

[01:18:56]>> Um Katie, I wonder if we could close with you. Um Democrats not winning the state there since 1994. I mean, the prospects you think of of of a Democrat rising on on on a ballot come November.

[01:19:11]I see a repeat of the beta award playbook, relatively unknown, tries to mount a challenge for the US Senate, gets some fawning coverage in some nice magazine articles and ends up fading into obscurity. The only way you can think that a Democrat is going to win in Texas is if you count poll numbers the way James Telerico counts genders and you think there are six too.

[01:19:31]>> Yeah. Like the reality is it is definitely not 2018. Um Texans are talking about the economy as Megan just mentioned. It is heavy on their mind right now. So, they're anxious to hear from both campaigns to see how they can make the lives of Texans better.

[01:19:45]Speaking as a Texan, Megan Hayes, Katie Frost, thank you both so much for your time. Really appreciate it. Thanks for the conversation.

[01:19:53]All right, everybody. Good morning.

[01:19:53]Let's begin in Texas where voters are waking up today with a much clearer picture of what lies ahead in the race for the US Senate this November. CNN projecting state attorney general Ken Paxton will be winning the Republican runoff against incumbent John Cornin by a wide margin. Corny Cornin held that seat since 2002. Paxton will be facing Democratic State Representative James Telerico in the midterm election come November and he's thanking US President Donald Trump for his endorsement.

[01:20:24]>> When everyone in Washington told him to abandon me and abandon the people of Texas, he didn't listen. Instead, he gave his complete and total endorsement.

[01:20:34]>> President Trump is the leader of our party and his endorsement in this most power is the most powerful force in politics.

[01:20:42]>> Democrat James Telerico wasting no time taking on his newly minted opponent. He he will be holding his first general election rally today in the city of Houston. He also posted this campaign ad on social media shortly after Paxton's runoff win.

[01:20:59]The most corrupt politician in America just became the Republican nominee for the United States Senate. For 50 years, mega donors and their puppet politicians like Ken Paxton have stolen from us. But that ends this year.

[01:21:18]So what happens next for the outgoing Senator Cornin? Here's CNN's chief congressional correspondent Manu Ranji to explain.

[01:21:27]After decades in Texas politics and holding his United States Senate seat since 2002, Senator John Cornin saw a lopsided loss, ending his career after Ken Paxton, the Texas Attorney General, won in a resounding fashion following the support he got from President Trump in the final days of this bitterly fought primary campaign for Cornin's seat. Now, Republican leaders had begged President Trump to get behind Cornin.

[01:21:56]They saw him as far more electable in a general election than Paxton who has had to weather scandal after scandal in Texas. Impeachment scandals, personal scandals. He has survived from those scandals and also clearly thrived winning the Republican nomination so handily now facing James Toller Rico, the Democratic candidate in November, a race that which Democrats think that they can win because of those personal problems that Cornin and Republican leaders were warning about. But President Trump did not listen to those concerns. in fact got behind Ken Paxton because he saw him as more loyal than Cornin. Even though Cornin had boasted a voting record of nearly 100% of the time with Donald Trump, though he did criticize Trump after January 6 and did not support Trump right away in the 2024 primary campaign, he ultimately did support President Trump in the 2024 primary and he ultimately voted to acquit Trump in the January 6th impeachment trial. But nevertheless, Trump decided to back Paxton. Paxton is now the nominee. And John Cornin, even in the hours ahead of polls closing on Tuesday, was warning his party about the impact it would have if Paxton were the nominee.

[01:23:04]>> If he's a nominee, hundreds of million, several hundred millions of dollars. U >> versus you, >> versus me. We can do it on our own. Uh we don't need outside help. Um, so the truth is that uh that's money that could be and should be better spent in places like Georgia, North Carolina, Michigan, and uh and uh New Hampshire. Um if the Texas Senate seat is in jeopardy, uh that really jeopardizes our majority uh because it will take away necessary resources to win these other seats that we're depending on uh to maintain the majority and perhaps grow it. Now, after the election was called for Paxton, Cornin came out to address reporters, talking to reporters who were invited to this small gathering at a hotel in Austin and talked about his career. His wife was by his side, his two daughters were by his side. He talked about the low turnout in the election, but he did acknowledge his loss and he said that the voters outspoken. He said he would support the Republican ticket in November, but he did not mention Paxton by name and he did not take questions from the reporters in the audience be perhaps in large part because this was such a bitterly fought campaign. Cornin had criticized Paxton relentlessly for months and now he is seeing Paxton win the nomination for his seat and potentially could take his seat in November.

[01:24:30]Manu Raju, CNN, Austin, Texas.

[01:24:35]>> All right, let's let's get some expert analysis on what will be quite a race.

[01:24:38]Now, Caroline Helman is a democratic strategist and professor of critical theory and social justice at Oxidental College. She joins me live from Los Angeles. 1 a.m. where you are, Caroline.

[01:24:47]Thank you so much for staying up late for us.

[01:24:50]>> Good to see you, Polo.

[01:24:52]>> How about we get your initial take and your initial analysis on this Texas runoff? What does it tell you about President Trump's power over the Republican party? I mean, clearly it is not enough to dedicate 99% loyalty to him.

[01:25:09]>> Well, it really shows his power with his base, even though we have seen a bit of an erosion from about 38% diehard support down to about 33% nationally.

[01:25:19]Boy, is is Trump endorsing candidates really making a difference. I mean, this wasn't just, you know, Cornin losing to Paxton. This was an absolute blowout with Paxton at about 65% of the vote, uh, and Cornin at about a third. And this is someone who has been in the Senate for multiple terms. And if if you remember from politics 101, incumbents in the Senate, uh, about 90% of the time they get reelected. So, it really speaks to to that. But it also, you know, Trump has has set Texas up now to have a weaker candidate against James Terico.

[01:25:54]And I say a weaker candidate because while the MAGA base uh certainly decides who will, you know, advance to the primary election or to the general election from a primary, it is undecided voters who make that decision in the general election. And right now, the generic ballot nationally with independents, 33% favor Democrats.

[01:26:17]We've heard from Democrats who who call this really a gift that was delivered by Trump to Democrats as it may certainly assist a system when it comes to campaigning. Uh Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer also responded to the Texas results, calling it, as he described it, a nightmare scenario for Republicans, but also a step closer to winning a Senate majority for Democrats.

[01:26:39]In your view, Caroline, how likely is it that a Texas Democrat is likely to win a Senate seat?

[01:26:47]I still think it's a long shot. Uh even though James Terica would be the ideal candidate because he's actually not making much of a partisan pitch. This is a man, you know, a seminarian, a young guy who's in the state legislature who went on Joe Rogan's show and Joe Rogan after a couple of hours of talking to Terico said, "You need to run for president." So this is a man who can clearly reach across the party divide certainly to independence. Uh, with that said, you know, Texas is still a solidly red state. So, I think it would take a bit of a miracle for Democrats uh to pick that seat up. Now, if it's a massive wave election, there's a possibility that that could happen. I think, you know, races like Ohio and Alaska and Maine and North Carolina are more likely. Uh, but I will say Terrio has a better shot against Paxton than he had against Cornet. And I think that is why a lot of Democrats are celebrating tonight in Texas.

[01:27:42]>> In the last hour, Republican strategist Katie Frost told me that uh in in her view, Telerico is completely out of step with uh with Texas values. Uh we'll see how that plays out on the campaign trail, but in your view, you know, what's your response to that in terms of the challenges that Telerico may face?

[01:27:59]He he is not very well known. uh obviously uh so that potentially may be a challenge, but then also perhaps even even convincing viewers to see past some of his previous controversial comments.

[01:28:12]I mean, that that won't be easy for him, I take it.

[01:28:16]>> Well, let's see. I mean, I actually think he's ideally suited for Texas.

[01:28:20]Now, granted, I there are um older interviews where he talks about transgender issues that are not going to play well in Texas. um he's, you know, got some liberal positions that are simply not going to play well with the electorate there. However, he also is very much in sync with Texans in terms of his religious approach to things and he's not making it partisan. So, and I find him to be, you know, like like Paxton, frankly, very a very charismatic candidate, right? So, I think um this is going to be a highinterest race. He also has a fundraising advantage. You know, that Paxton is not a great fundraiser.

[01:28:55]Cornin was uh this is the most expensive primary race in history, Senate primary race. And that's not because of Paxton.

[01:29:02]That was Cornin. So I I imagine that Taler Rico, if there was a candidate to run in Texas and do well, it would be him. Let's see whether or not the wave is big enough for Democrats.

[01:29:13]>> Yeah, we're all anxious to see what kind of substance comes from the campaign trail beyond any name calling and and really just those issues that uh Texans are truly worried about, including the economy. Caroline Heldman as always.

[01:29:25]Really appreciate the conversation.

[01:29:28]>> The Texas Takedown. It's become the biggest Senate race of the midterm cycle. This morning, the already record-breaking Texas Senate race is about to get even more expensive after Ken Paxton, backed by the president, trounced incumbent Republican Senator John Cornin. The Texas Attorney General won more than 63% of the vote from Texas Republicans. The biggest factor, what Paxton himself called the most powerful force in politics, president's endorsement. Clearly, voters followed the president's lead even after party leaders raised concerns, other party leaders, if you will, raised concerns about Paxton's viability in the general election. The Corning campaign shined light on the controversies that have followed Paxton for years, including facing charges of securities fraud and accusations of accepting bribes.

[01:30:16]allegation Paxton dismissed as politically motivated. There's also his 2023 impeachment and subsequent acquitt.

[01:30:24]All of which the Democratic nominee James Terico has made very clear that he will do his level best to now highlight.

[01:30:32]Another big thing to watch, the money Republicans already spent some $130 million as you can see. I mean, on this primary, this is just the primary. The runoff alone saw more than $30 million.

[01:30:45]Terrio has been raising big money for the general, bringing in $27 million in the first quarter alone. That's more than Cornin's 9 million and Paxton's two. Political reports that Terico raised $600,000 in the first two hours after Paxton won last night. Now, Paxton overcame that fundraising disadvantage once before. Clearly, he's calling on supporters to help him do it again.

[01:31:12]>> Some people know him as Tofu Taller Rico.

[01:31:16]Some people call him sixthgender Jimmy.

[01:31:21]I've even heard some people call him James Telerico. He can never become our senator, but I need your help. We know James Telerico is going to raise more money than any Democrat in America.

[01:31:34]This race now becomes a central focus for the Republican party and trying to make sure they they keep the seat to try also to prevent their now nominee from joining a list of what became doomed candidates that Trump has supported in the past. The likes of Hershel Walker in Georgia, Carrie Lake, Blake Masters in Arizona, Memed Oz when he ran for Senate in Pennsylvania. Meanwhile, John Cornin is now the eighth Republican incumbent to be pushed out by Trump backed challengers this cycle. And while he started the day calling Ken Paxton an embarrassment, John Cordin ended the night saying he will still support the Republican ticket.

[01:32:13]>> I've spent most of my time in the Senate building the Republican party in Texas and in the in the US Senate and I've always supported the Republican ticket and I intend to do so again in this general election.

[01:32:30]I've said throughout this race that I trust the voters of Texas and they've made their decision and I must respect it.

[01:32:41]And so glad you could join us. We do want to begin this hour with the power of an endorsement from US President Donald Trump. This time in Texas where CNN is now projecting state attorney general Ken Paxton will be defeating incumbent John Cornin in the Republican Senate runoff. No candidate got that necessary 50% of the vote back in the March primary. And it took President Trump more than two months to endorse Paxton. He will now be facing Democratic State Representative James Telerico in the November midterm election.

[01:33:14]>> Tonight is not the end of a campaign.

[01:33:16]Tonight is the beginning of the fight to preserve every value we hold dear. The future of Texas and the future of America is on the line >> and I intend to do everything I can to expand our movement.

[01:33:28]>> I've won three statewide elections because I know how critical it is for our party to come together and that's what we must do now. Without a shadow of a doubt, I will be the Democrat's number one target in November.

[01:33:42]As for his opponent, Teler Rico, he is wasting no time, not only with his fundraising, but also going after Paxton, calling him the most corrupt politician in America.

[01:33:52]>> Rico posting this attack ad on X shortly after that race was called Tuesday.

[01:33:59]>> Three years ago, Ken Paxton was impeached by his own party for using his public office to enrich himself and his donors at the expense of the people.

[01:34:11]That kind of corruption is the rot at the core of this broken system.

[01:34:18]>> And our experts are standing by to discuss more on that in a moment. But first, we do want to get more on the runoff from CNN's Arlet Signs at Paxton headquarters in Plano, Texas.

[01:34:28]>> Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton celebrated his resounding defeat of four-term Senator John Cornin. a win that could have major implications for how competitive this Texas Senate race will be come November. Now, Paxton thanked President Donald Trump for his lastminute endorsement in this race, which really helped push Paxton across the finish line. The state attorney general told supporters here that the president's endorsement is the most powerful force within American politics.

[01:34:56]Take a listen.

[01:34:58]>> When everyone in Washington told him to abandon me and abandon the people of Texas, he didn't listen. Instead, he gave his complete and total endorsement.

[01:35:08]>> President Trump is the leader of our party and his endorsement in this most power is the most powerful force in politics.

[01:35:15]>> Now, Paxton used part of his speech to go on the attack against his Democratic opponent, state legislator James Talerico. He tried to argue that Taler Rico is a radical Democrat who is not in line with Texas conservative values and even gave nicknames to Terico like Talifico and Tofu Taler Rico. But Taxton also acknowledged that he expects to be Democrat's number one target heading into the general election matchup in November. Throughout this campaign, Senator John Cornin and other Republicans warned that having Paxton at the top of the GOP ticket could be a liability for Republicans here in Texas, which is typically a very conservative state. For Terico's part, he was very quick to release a a video after Paxton's victory, warning that he is the most corrupt politician in American politics. So this is really setting up what could be an expensive and bruising general election matchup as Paxton is set to take on Ter Rico in November.

[01:36:16]Arlet signs CNN Plano, Texas.

[01:36:20]>> All right, so what can we expect the next few months? Let's discuss all that and head over to Atlanta with Republican strategist Katie Frost. I'm also joined uh by Democratic strategist Megan Hayes who joins me from Washington. Welcome to you both. Thanks so much for taking the time.

[01:36:34]>> Thank you.

[01:36:34]>> Thank you for having us. Megan, let's start with you. What does James Telerico need to show if this uh Democrat hopes to win in a bright red state come November? You think?

[01:36:45]>> Yeah, I think he's already showing what he's made of and what he's going to do.

[01:36:49]He's going into communities. He's talking about the economy and that's where it really matters. None of these other issues matter. People in Texas are underwater with their electric bills and their gas prices and their their grocery prices and they just want relief. And you're in a state where the president's approval rating is underwater and also the governor's approval rating is in the 40s. So you have a really strong ticket in Taler Rico and Gina Henosa is running for governor. So this is going to be a chance for for Democrats to turn Texas blue. It'll just be interesting to see how much money is spent here. The one benefit Democrats have is James Calico can raise money on its own where Jh where Paxton cannot. And so the Republicans are going to have to spend a lot of money to keep Texas in the Republican column.

[01:37:29]Katie, Megan, laying out a list of some of those real kitchen table issues that that the Texans really want to hear about over the next several months. Um, so just from your point of view, how do you expect the Paxton campaign to portray their opponent James Telerico to voters, especially those who may consider a moderate Democrat? That's if he presents himself as such. Uh, you know, they want to hear more about just that some of the name calling that you just heard about a little while ago as well. They want to hear about those issues. So, how do they go about that?

[01:37:58]You think?

[01:38:00]>> Well, you point out the fact that James Telerico may try to portray himself as a moderate, but he's actually a radical Democrat and he is far-left. He's completely out of step with Texans and their values. This is a man who goes around saying that God is non-binary, that Jesus is a radical feminist. He said that science teaches us that there are not two biological genders and that there are actually six. This is someone who's completely out of step with where Texans are. He talks about how the American flag is a complicated symbol for so many. That is not what you're going to hear from your typical Texas voter. And when you realize that the border was a key issue in the 2024 election when President Trump saw historic gains among Hispanic voters because of the impact our southern border was having on Texas voters. And then Talerico goes out there and he says that if you do not welcome people seeking asylum at the southern border, you cannot call yourself a Christian.

[01:38:53]that is not going to sit well with Texas voters. So when we get to these issues and we talk about who James Terrio actually is because he was flying under the radar for a long period of time. The more high-profile candidate in the Democratic primary was Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, but the Democratic party bosses decided to kneecap her and anoint James Talerico as the nominee.

[01:39:12]They thought he was more quote electable, but uh I don't think that's going to be the case come November.

[01:39:18]So, of course, there is the other option, especially for voters here for of Ken Paxton. As you know, Katie, he he does bring some ga some baggage to this race. Do you think that that's likely to present Telerico with a with campaign ad opportunities? I mean, did President Trump essentially make it easier on Telerico, but by wanting this seasoned Senator John Cornin out of the picture, you think?

[01:39:40]>> I mean, look, I can make an ad out of anything. So, if you're creative enough and you have a good enough campaign team around you, you can create an ad out of just about anything. But what I will say about Kim Paxton, he is someone who has won three statewide elections and all of his alleged baggage. It's already out there. Everybody knows everything and they've continued to reelect this man.

[01:39:56]Whereas James Terrio has not had to face statewide scrutiny. He has not had to be on the national level and defend all of his radical past statements. So, I feel very confident that when voters get a chance to look at these two people and not just look at what their own decisions are that have impacted their lives, but the decisions that these two men will make and the policies that they will advocate for and how it impacts the lives of Texas families, voters are going to go with Ken Paxton every time.

[01:40:21]Megan, back to you. How can James Terico aim for perhaps modern Republicans that that may be put off by Pen Pax by Ken Paxton? Obviously, it is going to be far from easy in a state like Texas.

[01:40:35]>> I think he continues to talk about the actual issues that matter to people in Texas, and that's the economy. It always comes back to the economy. And Katie's right. He has some controversial statements that he's going to have to explain, and he should have to explain those statements. But what it really matters, the only issue that she mentioned was immigration. And those are things that she's going to have that he sorry, is going to have to explain. But I think that when you actually talk to voters in Texas who are very very concerned about how much they're paying for gas and how much they are paying for groceries and their utility bills, they are going to look for something different. They're not going to look for a morally bankrupt person who is literally impeached by his own party to be their representative in Congress. I think people are tired of the corrupt nature of politics and I think James Herico gives them a fresh face. But I also think here we cannot underestimate the people who are running down ballot in this election to help James Terico also get votes from independents and moderate Republicans. Gina Henho is running as a mom on a like a lot of maha moms are for her and those will bring people out to vote and they will vote for James Palico over Ken Paxton.

[01:41:39]>> Yeah, he's certainly freshaced. He he is perhaps not a very known name for for many uh Megan. So, how does he sort of break through that and try to establish his brand? Do you think >> I think he's already breaking through? I mean, he beat Jasmine Crockett as Katie mentioned. She was one a very formidable candidate. She just entered the race uh late. She did not have this type of money. But, you know, James Costico is already going into communities. He's as from the valley. He's out there every day in these communities. And I think that he's breaking through in Texas. And I also think that when Donald Trump endorsed Ken Paxton, he already brought a lot of attention to this race. know people who are tired of Trump's failed economic policies being in a war that we don't want to be in and impacting our gas prices. That already just raised his profile more for people looking for an alternative.

[01:42:25]>> Um Katie, I wonder if we could close with you. Um Democrats not winning the state there since 1994. I mean, the prospects you think of of of a Democrat rising on on on a ballot come November.

[01:42:40]I see a repeat of the beta award playbook, relatively unknown, tries to mount a challenge for the US Senate, gets some fawning coverage in some nice magazine articles, and ends up fading into obscurity. The only way you can think that a Democrat is going to win in Texas is if you count poll numbers the way James Terrio counts genders, and you think there are six, too.

[01:43:01]>> Yeah. Like the reality is it is definitely not 2018. Um, Texans are talking about the economy. As Megan just mentioned, it is heavy on their mind right now. So, they're anxious to hear from both campaigns to see how they can make the lives of Texans better.

[01:43:14]Speaking as a Texan, Megan Hayes, Katie Frost, thank you both so much for your time. Really appreciate it. Thanks for the conversation.

[01:43:22]All right, everybody. Good morning.

[01:43:23]Let's begin in Texas where voters are waking up today with a much clearer picture of what lies ahead in the race for the US Senate this November. CNN projecting state attorney general Ken Paxton will be winning the Republican runoff against incumbent John Cornin by a wide margin. Corny Cornin held that seat since 2002. Paxton will be facing Democratic State Representative James Telerico in the midterm election come November and he's thanking US President Donald Trump for his endorsement.

[01:43:53]>> When everyone in Washington told him to abandon me and abandon the people of Texas, he didn't listen. Instead, he gave his complete and total endorsement.

[01:44:03]>> President Trump is the leader of our party and his endorsement in this most power is the most powerful force in politics.

[01:44:11]>> Democrat James Telerico wasting no time taking on his newly minted opponent. He he will be holding his first general election rally today in the city of Houston. He also posted this campaign ad on social media shortly after Paxton's runoff win.

[01:44:28]The most corrupt politician in America just became the Republican nominee for the United States Senate. For 50 years, mega donors and their puppet politicians like Ken Paxton have stolen from us. But that ends this year.

[01:44:47]So what happens next for the outgoing Senator Cornin? Here's CNN's chief congressional correspondent Manu Ranji to explain.

[01:44:56]After decades in Texas politics and holding his United States Senate seat since 2002, Senator John Cornin saw a lopsided loss, ending his career after Ken Paxton, the Texas Attorney General, won in a resounding fashion following the support he got from President Trump in the final days of this bitterly fought primary campaign for Cornin's seat. Now, Republican leaders had begged President Trump to get behind Cornin.

[01:45:26]They saw him as far more electable in a general election than Paxton, who's had to weather a scandal after scandal in Texas. Impeachment scandals, personal scandals. He has survived from those scandals and also clearly thrived winning the Republican nomination so handily now facing James Tollico, the Democratic candidate in November, a race that which Democrats think that they can win because of those personal problems that Cornin and Republican leaders were warning about. But President Trump did not listen to those concerns. in fact got behind Ken Paxton because he saw him as more loyal than Cornin, even though Cornin had boasted a voting record of nearly 100% of the time with Donald Trump, though he did criticize Trump after January 6 and did not support Trump right away in the 2024 primary campaign. He ultimately did support President Trump in the 2024 primary and he ultimately voted to acquit Trump in the January 6th impeachment trial, but nevertheless, Trump decided to back Paxton. Paxton is now the nominee. And John Cornin, even in the hours ahead of polls closing on Tuesday, was warning his party about the impact it would have if Paxton were the nominee.

[01:46:34]>> If he's a nominee, hundreds of million, several hundred millions of dollars. Um, >> versus you, >> versus me. We can do it on our own. Uh, we don't need outside help. Um, so the truth is that uh that's money that could be and should be better spent in places like Georgia, North Carolina, Michigan, and uh and uh New Hampshire. Um if the Texas Senate seat is in jeopardy, uh that really jeopardizes our majority uh because it will take away necessary resources to win these other seats that we're depending on uh to maintain the majority and perhaps grow it. Now, after the election was called for Paxton, Cornin came out to address reporters, talking to reporters who were invited to this small gathering at a hotel in Austin and talked about his career. His wife was by his side, his two daughters were by his side. He talked about the low turnout in the election, but he did acknowledge his loss and he said that the voters have spoken. He said he would support the Republican ticket in November, but he did not mention Paxton by name and he did not take questions from the reporters in the audience be perhaps in large part because this was such a bitterly fought campaign. Cornin had criticized Paxton relentlessly for months and now he is seeing Paxton win the nomination for his seat and potentially could take his seat in November.

[01:47:59]Manu Raju, CNN, Austin, Texas.

[01:48:04]>> All right, let's let's get some expert analysis on what will be quite a race.

[01:48:07]Now, Caroline Helman is a democratic strategist and professor of critical theory and social justice at Oxidental College. She joins me live from Los Angeles. 1 a.m. where you are, Caroline.

[01:48:16]Thank you so much for staying up late for us.

[01:48:19]>> Good to see you, Polo.

[01:48:21]>> How about we get your initial take and your initial analysis on this Texas runoff? What does it tell you about President Trump's power over the Republican party? I mean, clearly it is not enough to dedicate 99% loyalty to him.

[01:48:38]>> Well, it really shows his power with his base, even though we have seen a bit of an erosion from about 38% diehard support down to about 33% nationally.

[01:48:48]Boy, is is Trump endorsing candidates really making a difference. I mean, this wasn't just, you know, Cornin losing to Paxton. This was an absolute blowout with Paxton at about 65% of the vote, uh, and Cornin at about a third. And this is someone who has been in the Senate for multiple terms. And if if you remember from politics 101, incumbents in the Senate, uh, about 90% of the time they get reelected. So, it really speaks to to that. But it also, you know, Trump has has set Texas up now to have a weaker candidate against James Terico.

[01:49:23]And I say a weaker candidate because while the MAGA base uh certainly decides who will, you know, advance to the primary election or to the general election from a primary, it is undecided voters who make that decision in the general election. And right now, the generic ballot nationally with independents, 33% favor Democrats.

[01:49:46]We've heard from Democrats who who call this really a gift that was delivered by Trump to Democrats as it may certainly a system when it comes to campaigning. Uh Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer also responded to the Texas results, calling it, as he described it, a nightmare scenario for Republicans, but also a step closer to winning a Senate majority for Democrats. In your view, Caroline, how likely is it that a Texas Democrat is likely to win a Senate seat?

[01:50:16]I still think it's a long shot. Uh even though James Terica would be the ideal candidate because he's actually not making much of a partisan pitch. This is a man, you know, a seminarian, a young guy who's in the state legislature who went on Joe Rogan's show and Joe Rogan after a couple of hours of talking to Terico said, "You need to run for president." So this is a man who can clearly reach across the party divide certainly to independence. Uh, with that said, you know, Texas is still a solidly red state. So, I think it would take a bit of a miracle for Democrats uh to pick that seat up. Now, if it's a massive wave election, there's a possibility that that could happen. I think, you know, races like Ohio and Alaska and Maine and North Carolina are more likely. Uh, but I will say Telerico has a better shot against Paxton than he had against Cornin. And I think that is why a lot of Democrats are celebrating tonight in Texas.

[01:51:11]>> In the last hour, Republican strategist Katie Frost told me that uh in in her view, Telerico is completely out of step with uh with Texas values. Uh we'll see how that plays out on the campaign trail, but in your view, you know, what's your response to that in terms of the challenges that Telerico may face?

[01:51:28]He he is not very well known. uh obviously uh so that potentially may be a challenge, but then also perhaps even even convincing viewers to see past some of his previous controversial comments.

[01:51:42]I mean, that that won't be easy for him, I take it.

[01:51:45]>> Well, let's see. I mean, I actually think he's ideally suited for Texas.

[01:51:49]Now, granted, I there are um older interviews where he talks about transgender issues that are not going to play well in Texas. um he's, you know, got some liberal positions that are simply not going to play well with the electorate there. However, he also is very much in sync with Texans in terms of his religious approach to things and he's not making it partisan. So, and I find him to be, you know, like like Paxton, frankly, very a very charismatic candidate, right? So, I think um this is going to be a highinterest race. He also has a fundraising advantage. You know, that Paxton is not a great fundraiser.

[01:52:24]Cornin was uh this is the most expensive primary race in history, Senate primary race. And that's not because of Paxton, that was Cornin. So I I imagine that Terico, if there was a candidate to run in Texas and do well, it would be him.

[01:52:38]Let's see whether or not the wave is big enough for Democrats.

[01:52:42]>> Yeah, we're all anxious to see what kind of substance comes from the campaign trail beyond any name calling and and really just those issues that uh Texans are truly worried about, including the economy. Caroline Heldman as always.

[01:52:54]Really appreciate the conversation.

[01:52:57]>> The Texas Takedown. It's become the biggest Senate race of the midterm cycle. This morning, the already record-breaking Texas Senate race is about to get even more expensive after Ken Paxton, backed by the president, trounced incumbent Republican Senator John Cornin. The Texas Attorney General won more than 63% of the vote from Texas Republicans. The biggest factor, what Paxton himself called the most powerful force in politics, president's endorsement. Clearly, voters followed the president's lead even after party leaders raised concerns, other party leaders, if you will, raised concerns about Paxton's viability in the general election. The Corning campaign shined light on the controversies that have followed Paxton for years, including facing charges of securities fraud and accusations of accepting bribes.

[01:53:45]allegation Paxton dismissed as politically motivated. There's also his 2023 impeachment and subsequent aqu quiddle. All of which the Democratic nominee James Talerico has made very clear that he will do his level best to now highlight. Another big thing to watch, the money Republicans already spent some $130 million as you can see.

[01:54:09]I mean, on this primary, this is just the primary. The runoff alone saw more than $30 million. Terrio has been raising big money for the general, bringing in $27 million in the first quarter alone. That's more than Cornin's 9 million and Paxton's two. Political reports that Talerico raised $600,000 in the first two hours after Paxton won last night. Now, Paxton overcame that fundraising disadvantage once before.

[01:54:36]Clearly, he's calling on supporters to help him do it again.

[01:54:41]>> Some people know him as Tofu Taller Rico.

[01:54:45]Some people call him sixthgender Jimmy.

[01:54:50]I've even heard some people call him James Telerico. He can never become our senator, but I need your help. We know James Telerico is going to raise more money than any Democrat in America.

[01:55:03]This race now becomes a central focus for the Republican party and trying to make sure they they keep the seat to try also to prevent their now nominee from joining a list of what became doomed candidates that Trump has supported in the past. The likes of Hershel Walker in Georgia, Carrie Lake, Blake Masters in Arizona, MeT when he ran for Senate in Pennsylvania. Meanwhile, John Cornin is now the eighth Republican incumbent to be pushed out by Trump backed challengers this cycle. And while he started the day calling Ken Paxton an embarrassment, John Cornin ended the night saying he will still support the Republican ticket.

[01:55:42]>> I've spent most of my time in the Senate building the Republican party in Texas and in the in the US Senate, and I've always supported the Republican ticket, and I intend to do so again in this general election.

[01:55:59]I've said throughout this race that I trust the voters of Texas and they've made their decision and I must respect it.

[01:56:11]And so glad you could join us. We do want to begin this hour with the power of an endorsement from US President Donald Trump. This time in Texas where CNN is now projecting state attorney general Ken Paxton will be defeating incumbent John Cornin in the Republican Senate runoff. No candidate got that necessary 50% of the vote back in the March primary. And it took President Trump more than two months to endorse Paxton. He will now be facing Democratic State Representative James Telerico in the November midterm election.

[01:56:43]>> Tonight is not the end of a campaign.

[01:56:45]Tonight is the beginning of the fight to preserve every value we hold dear. The future of Texas and the future of America is on the line >> and I intend to do everything I can to expand our movement.

[01:56:57]>> I've won three statewide elections because I know how critical it is for our party to come together and that's what we must do now. Without a shadow of a doubt, I will be the Democrat's number one target in November.

[01:57:12]As for his opponent, Telerico, he is wasting no time, not only with his fundraising, but also going after Paxton, calling him the most corrupt politician in America.

[01:57:21]>> To posting this attack at OnX shortly after that race was called Tuesday.

[01:57:26]Tonight, >> three years ago, Ken Paxton was impeached by his own party for using his public office to enrich himself and his donors at the expense of the People.