With Donald Trump’s supporters expected to play a key role in next year’s Texas Senate race’s Republican primary, two veteran candidates are trying to overcome baggage and play up their ties to the president.

Incumbent Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, first elected to the chamber in 2022, is seen as being part of Washington’s establishment. He also worked closely with former Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., a Trump critic.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who is challenging Cornyn in the GOP primary, has been a strong Trump supporter. However, he was indicted in 2015 on security fraud charges, and was impeached by the GOP-controlled Texas House before the state Senate ultimately voted to acquit him.

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