Scott Presler officially endorses Ken Paxton in heated Texas Senate race
By Easton Martin | May 7, 2026
Prominent political activist Scott Presler has officially entered the Texas political fray this week by announcing his formal endorsement of Attorney General Ken Paxton in the state’s high stakes Senate race.
The endorsement of Paxton is a direct challenge to longtime establishment incumbent Senator John Cornyn as the state prepares for a runoff election on May 26. Presler stated that the endorsement was a necessary response to the Senate’s failure to pass the SAVE America Act.
The endorsement centers on several specific policy grievances against Cornyn. Presler cited the senator’s past support for red flag laws and his previous promotion of the COVID 19 vaccine as primary reasons for the shift in support. He also pointed to unearthed video clips of Cornyn discussing pathways to amnesty for DACA recipients and advocating for deportation relief. Presler argued that these stances represent a departure from conservative priorities and suggested that Paxton better represents the current Republican base.
Presler has been active in calling out Cornyn on several fronts leading up to the runoff.
Recent polling suggests that this activist pressure may be impacting the race. A University of Houston survey of 1,200 likely GOP runoff voters shows Paxton leading Cornyn 48 percent to 45 percent. The data indicates that Paxton is successfully consolidating support from voters who previously backed third place finisher Wesley Hunt. While Cornyn has held his seat for 24 years and maintains significant financial backing, the poll shows him trailing within the margin of error as the anti establishment movement gains steam.
Presler also criticized Cornyn for his advocacy of H-1B visas and his close ties to Senate Majority Leader John Thune. He warned that Republican leaders who do not align with the demands of the voters should consider their seats at risk. Presler mentioned that despite millions of dollars in spending from national Republican groups, the incumbent senator nearly fell to second place in the initial primary.
Election Day is set for Tuesday, May 26, following the Memorial Day holiday. Early voting in Texas begins on May 18 and runs through May 22. Presler urged his followers to participate in early voting, noting that low turnout is common for elections held immediately after a holiday weekend.
