Right-wing former U.S. Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-TX), who was described by The Texas Tribune as a precursor to President Trump’s brand of populist and one who “makes no apologies for spreading misinformation,” announced today that he’s voting for incumbent Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) in the heated special runoff election in the Lone Star State.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is trying to unseat Cornyn; neither Republican has won the endorsement of President Trump.
Gohmert today wrote on social media: “Despite Ken Paxton’s claims he essentially had crooks conspiring against him in his office just like Pres. Trump, Paxton ADMITTED in Court to all the facts & law specified against him in the pleadings by the whistleblowers he fired and retaliated against. That wasn’t at all like Pres. Trump’s situation.”
[NOTE: In July, Paxton dropped his appeal in a whistleblower lawsuit, agreeing to a $6.6 million payout to four former top aides who accused him of corruption in 2020.]
Gohmert added: “Though Senator John Cornyn & I have had differences at times & even made each other angry, he’s never lied to me_ not ever! In this primary runoff, I’ll be voting for John Cornyn. Voting for lies and corruption is not a choice.”
Despite Ken Paxton’s claims he essentially had crooks conspiring against him in his office just like Pres.Trump, Paxton ADMITTED in Court to all the facts & law specified against him in the pleadings by the whistleblowers he fired and retaliated against. That wasn’t at all like…
— Louie Gohmert (@replouiegohmert) April 7, 2026
Many critics are suggesting that Gohmert’s vote for Cornyn is associated with Gohmert’s loss to Paxton in the 2022 Texas Attorney General election.
As John Moritz, Chief Political Reporter for The Austin American-Statesman, replied: “The former East Texas congressman doesn’t pull his punches. Important to note that Gohmert was among @KenPaxtonTX ‘s opponents in the 2022 GOP AGO primary but finished well out of the running.”
Others are praising Gohmert for voicing his opinion, including Heath Mayo, founder of the conservative organization Principles First, who replied: “Thank you, Louie. This is a very honorable and principled statement, grounded in objective truth. Much needed in these unprincipled times. Hope all is well.”
You’re a very sad case. Ken’s go to girl to throw out lies. Obviously you’re having trouble taking issue with the cold hard facts of the lawsuit.
— Louie Gohmert (@replouiegohmert) April 7, 2026
Paxton’s senior advisor Michelle Brown replied to Gohmert: “Who’s paying you? Did you get another new car from Cornyn?”
The former Congressman replied: “You’re a very sad case. Ken’s go to girl to throw out lies. Obviously you’re having trouble taking issue with the cold hard facts of the lawsuit.”
The GOP Texas senate primary runoff is scheduled for May 26, 2026.