Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) openly criticized President Trump's decision to endorse Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in the state's GOP primary runoff, calling Paxton an "ethically challenged individual" and expressing strong support for incumbent Sen. John Cornyn.
Speaking Tuesday, Collins said she was "disappointed" with Trump's move, which came as early voting began in the runoff. Paxton faces a checkered legal history, including fraud charges related to a Dallas-area tech startup, resolved through a pretrial diversion program. Collins argued that Cornyn, a seasoned senator, deserved the president's backing instead.
"John Cornyn is an outstanding senator and deserved, in my judgment, the president's support. Obviously it's the president's call but I'm disappointed that he did it," Collins said.
Despite Trump's endorsement, Collins questioned whether Paxton would secure the nomination. "I have no idea," she said when asked about the primary outcome, adding, "I still hope that John Cornyn will win. He deserves to win."
The endorsement, reported earlier by The World Signal, deals a significant blow to Cornyn's reelection bid. Hypothetical polls show state Rep. James Talarico (D-Texas) in a tight race against both Cornyn and Paxton ahead of the November general election.
Early voting runs through Friday, with the runoff scheduled for May 26. Cornyn has conceded that Trump's endorsement is unlikely to shift in his favor, as noted in previous coverage.
Collins herself faces a tough reelection fight in Maine against Democratic newcomer Graham Platner, who became the likely nominee after Gov. Janet Mills dropped out of the Senate race last month. Trump has not endorsed Collins for her own campaign.
The president's decision to back Paxton, despite his ethical baggage, underscores ongoing tensions within the GOP. Collins's public rebuke highlights a rift between establishment Republicans and Trump-aligned candidates. Meanwhile, Trump continues to weigh in on other races, including a probe into Maryland mail ballot errors and a stalled Iran talks.
The Maine senator's comments come as the GOP navigates a primary season marked by internal divisions, with Trump's influence shaping key contests nationwide.
