President Trump endorsed Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in the Republican U.S. Senate primary runoff yesterday, a day after the start of early voting.

Why it matters: Senate Republicans spent months pleading with Trump to endorse incumbent U.S. Sen. John Cornyn over Paxton.

• Cornyn's Senate Republican allies and their affiliated groups have spent tens of millions of dollars backing his candidacy.

Reality check: The president faced significant pushback from MAGA allies at the idea of a Cornyn endorsement.

The big picture: Whoever wins the Tuesday runoff will face Democratic nominee James Talarico, a state legislator from Austin, who has led both Cornyn and Paxton in recent polling and holds a wide fundraising advantage.

• The Texas Senate race is rated "likely Republican" by Cook Political Report.

What they're saying: "Ken is a true MAGA Warrior who has ALWAYS delivered for Texas, and will continue to do so in the United States Senate," Trump wrote on Truth Social, calling him a "WINNER."

• "John Cornyn is a good man, and I worked well with him, but he was not supportive of me when times were tough," Trump added.

The other side: Cornyn wrote yesterday in a statement posted to X that he has worked closely with Trump.

• "It is now time for Texas Republican voters to decide if they want a strong nominee to help our GOP candidates down ballot and defeat Talarico in November, or a weak nominee who jeopardizes everything."

State of play: Talarico said in a statement yesterday that "it doesn't matter who wins this runoff."

• "Our movement to take back Texas for working people rises above party politics."

Two Republicans and two Democrats are facing off in runoff primary elections to be Texas attorney general.

• Early voting runs through Friday. Election Day is Tuesday.

Why it matters: As the chief legal officer of the state, the attorney general represents Texas in litigation, initiates investigations and enforces consumer protection laws.

Catch up quick: Running to replace Paxton in the Republican primary are state Sen. Mayes Middleton of Galveston and U.S. Rep. Chip Roy of Austin, who represents parts of Austin, San Antonio and the Hill Country.

Follow the money: Middleton, the president of an oil company, is the largest contributor to his own campaign — he has contributed more than $15 million — including $2.4 million since the initial March primary.

• Both candidates have tried to tie themselves to Trump as they appeal to the sorts of diehard Republican voters who cast votes in a May runoff. Middleton has dubbed himself "MAGA Mayes" and Roy has promoted himself as a founder of the "Sharia Free America" caucus.

The bottom line: The state attorney general's office has long been a political stepping stone to higher office.

• Cornyn and Gov. Greg Abbott previously served as Texas attorney general.

The Democratic candidates

New Ebola-related travel restrictions could complicate the Democratic Republic of Congo team's arrival in Space City for the 2026 World Cup.

Why it matters: Congo's national team is scheduled to arrive in Houston, the team's base camp, ahead of its June 17 World Cup opener against Portugal.

Driving the news: The Trump administration announced travel restrictions Monday for Congo, Uganda and South Sudan amid an Ebola outbreak.

• Congolese health authorities have reported 543 suspected ebola cases and 33 confirmed cases in Congo, per Reuters.

State of play: The restrictions last for 30 days, through June 17.

What they're saying: "FIFA is aware of and monitoring the situation regarding an Ebola outbreak and is in close communication with the Congo DR Football Association to ensure that the team are made aware of all medical and security guidance," the association tells Axios in a statement.

• FIFA says it's working with the host countries' governments, including the CDC and the Department of Homeland Security, to ensure "a safe and secure tournament."
• "The health of all individuals involved remains FIFA's priority."

The fine print: The CDC order allows the Department of Homeland Security to let into the U.S. certain non-U.S. citizens from the three countries as long as they meet security requirements and undergo the CDC's "appropriate mitigation protocols."

The big picture

🤖 A majority of Houstonians use AI but don't want data centers built near their homes, per a new survey by the University of Houston's Hobby School of Public Affairs. (Houston Public Media)

⚽️ Cristiano Ronaldo was named to Portugal's World Cup team, marking his historic sixth World Cup appearance. Portugal is playing its first two group matches in Houston. (Associated Press)

✈️ Passengers deplaned on the runway at George Bush Intercontinental Airport yesterday after a United Express flight experienced landing gear issues on departure. (ABC13)

Three competitors vying for the 2026 Scripps National Spelling Bee championship are from the Houston area.

The big picture: They're among 247 school-age children who qualified for the nationwide competition, which takes place next week.

• There are 23 competitors from Texas.

Zoom in: Zachary Teoh, a 9-year-old from River Oaks Elementary School, is one of only two third graders in the competition.

• He's joined by Houston homeschooler Logan Bailey and Haven Orsua, who attends Pasadena ISD's Melillo Middle School. Both are 12-year-old sixth graders making their first national bee appearances.

Flashback: Teoh tied for 74th in the 2025 national bee. Faizan Zaki, from the Dallas area, won that competition.

What's next: Preliminary and quarterfinal rounds will air Tuesday and Wednesday on Scripps Sports Network.

Netherlands fans will create a sea of orange in Houston on June 20 as they continue their tradition of marching to see their team play, this time ahead of the Netherlands' World Cup game against Sweden at NRG Stadium.

Why it matters: It gives Houston a chance to be part of the iconic spectacle.

State of play: The 2.5-mile Oranje Fanwalk, coordinated by the Houston Police Department and the Dutch football federation, will begin at 8:45am from Rice Stadium, the federation announced yesterday.

• The march will be led by the Oranje Bus, which recently arrived in Galveston after crossing the Atlantic.

What they're saying