Republican primary voters yesterday rejected U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, one of the Senate's most senior GOP members, in favor of President Trump-backed Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.

Why it matters: Cornyn's loss marks one of the most significant defeats for a Republican senator in years and underscores how loyalty to Trump continues to reshape GOP primaries nationwide.

• Trump gave Paxton a last-minute endorsement in the runoff.

What they're saying: "Tonight is the beginning of the fight to preserve every value we hold dear," Paxton told supporters, referring to his upcoming general election campaign against Democrat James Talarico.

• "I've always supported the Republican ticket, and I intend to do so again in this general election," Cornyn told supporters in Austin after his defeat. "I've said throughout this race that I trust the voters of Texas, and they made their decision."

By the numbers: Paxton had 64% of the vote compared to Cornyn's 36%, according to unofficial results.

• The AP called the election in favor of Paxton about an hour after polls closed yesterday.

Zoom in: Paxton successfully cast the race as a referendum on the party establishment, energizing grassroots conservatives while dodging concerns about the legal scandals and impeachment fight that dogged much of his tenure as attorney general.

• The race became one of the country's most closely watched Senate primaries, fueling millions in fundraising and outside spending.

What we're watching: Cornyn and his supporters had warned that the outcome could complicate Republicans' efforts to hold the seat in November against Talarico, a state representative from Austin.

• Paxton's win gives Democrats a potentially more polarizing Republican opponent than Cornyn.

Reality check: A Democrat hasn't won a statewide office in Texas in more than three decades.

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U.S. Rep. Christian Menefee and business owner Alex Mealer won their respective primary runoffs for two of Houston's redrawn congressional districts.

Why it matters: Menefee's victory is set to end U.S. Rep. Al Green's two-decade run in Congress.

Driving the news: Menefee won the Democratic nomination for the 18th Congressional District with 69% of the vote, per unofficial results. Mealer won the Republican nomination for the 9th Congressional District with 68% of the vote.

Between the lines: Green, who represented the solidly Democratic 9th Congressional District since 2005, ran in the 18th after Texas lawmakers last year redrew his old seat and many others to favor Republicans at the urging of Trump.

Flashback: The race in the 18th district heated up immediately after the March primary headed to a runoff.

• Green said Menefee made a "deal with the devil" for accepting crypto-backed campaign contributions, and Menefee responded by calling Green's comments "desperate."

Yes, but: Menefee softened his tone last night after securing the nomination.

• "[Texas Republicans] made us fight for crumbs when we know that next year, both Congressman Green and I should still be serving in the House of Representatives," Menefee told supporters.

What's next: Menefee will face Republican nominee Ronald Whitfield, a political newcomer, in the November election.

• Mealer now heads into a closely watched race against Democrat Leticia Gutierrez and independent Roy Morales.

Letitia Plummer narrowly defeated Annise Parker in the Democratic runoff for Harris County judge, according to unofficial results.

Why it matters: The race came down to a couple thousand votes, with Plummer, a former Houston City Council member, edging out Parker, a former Houston mayor who had been seen as the frontrunner.

• The November election will determine who succeeds Judge Lina Hidalgo to run the nation's third largest county. The contest has been one of Texas' most closely watched local races.

The latest: Plummer will face Republican runoff winner Orlando Sanchez in the November general election.

By the numbers: Plummer edged out Parker with 57,755 votes, or 51%, compared to Parker's 55,213 votes, or 49%, according to the Harris County Clerk's office.

• Orlando, previously Harris County treasurer, won the Republican nomination with 63% of the vote over businessman Warren Howell, who got 37%.

The intrigue: Plummer overcame a significant polling deficit with a campaign rooted in community outreach, despite trailing Parker in the primary.

• A strong early vote turnout for Plummer was driven by the competitive 18th Congressional District, Rice University political scientist Mark Jones told Axios as votes were being tallied last night.

What they're saying

⚖️ State Sen. Mayes Middleton (R-Galveston) and Democratic state Sen. Nathan Johnson (D-Dallas) will face off in November for Texas attorney general after winning their respective primary runoffs yesterday. (Axios)

⚽️️ The U.S. World Cup team roster unveiled yesterday features three Texans: midfielder Weston McKennie from the Dallas area and striker Ricardo Pepi and winger Alejandro Zendejas from El Paso. (FOX4)

🛣️ City Council is set to vote on renaming Cesar Chavez Boulevard to MSG Joe E. Ramirez Boulevard, after late Korean War veteran and East End resident. (ABC 13)

🗳️ Dexter McCoy won the Democratic primary runoff for Fort Bend County judge. (Houston Chronicle)

👋 Jay here! I was able to dodge storms over the weekend to grab drinks with my girlfriend and found my new favorite downtown dive — Warren's Inn.

Dig in: Originally opened in 1978, I was a little late to the party discovering this historic place. And of course, it took a TikTok to show me the light about one of Houston's oldest bars.

My experience: I ordered myself an old fashioned and my date a dirty martini.

• The bartender muddled an orange slice and two maraschino cherries in a glass before pouring the old fashioned, a welcomed twist. And the martini was as briny as any we've ever had and got two thumbs up.
• Altogether, the two drinks were $16. $16! An insane bargain, considering we spent that much on one cocktail at another bar later that evening.

The bottom line: It's no wonder this place has survived decades. The prospect of heavy pours and a cute date night brought me in, but the history I've since learned will bring me back.

If you go: 307 Travis St.