In what promises to be one of the most intense Republican Party contests of the 2026 election cycle, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is positioning himself to challenge incumbent Senator John Cornyn. This potential showdown underscores the ongoing tension between the traditional and hard-right factions within the Texas GOP. During a recent interview in Dallas, Paxton hinted at his intention to run, emphasizing his plans to propose significant tax cuts in Washington. “I just think there’s a lot of things that you could do at the federal level,” Paxton remarked, alluding to his desire to support Donald Trump during a potential second presidential term. Although Paxton hesitated to formally declare his candidacy when nudged by a campaign consultant, his intentions seem clear.
The political landscape in Texas is ripe for such a confrontation, fueled by internal rifts within the state’s Republican Party. Paxton, who has increasingly expressed criticism of Cornyn, often mocks him on social media and has openly derided him during interviews. The possibility of this primary race has been an open secret, particularly as Paxton has grown more vocal following positive internal polling by Fabrizio, Lee & Associates. This poll shows Paxton ahead of Cornyn by 25 percentage points among GOP voters, reinforcing the notion that he is viewed more favorably within the party.
Cornyn, a political veteran who first took his Senate seat in 2002, represents an older guard of Texas Republicans. Known for his business-oriented conservatism and occasional bipartisan efforts, Cornyn has alienated some conservatives, notably when he supported gun control legislation after Texas’ tragic Uvalde school shooting in 2022. His approval ratings among conservatives dipped significantly after this, culminating in booing at the 2022 Republican Party of Texas convention. Paxton, present at the time, believed it marked a turning point. “It clicked for me,” Paxton recalled about Cornyn’s disconnect with the conservative base.
Cornyn officially launched his reelection bid last month with a campaign video touting his record as a Trump ally. Meanwhile, Paxton has maintained a supportive stance toward Trump, including backing Trump’s controversial attempts to challenge the 2020 election results, a case ultimately dismissed by the Supreme Court. Paxton’s camp remains in close contact with Trump’s inner circle, with Paxton noting he’s had positive feedback regarding his potential Senate run.
Amidst lingering corruption allegations and past legal troubles, Paxton has emerged unscathed from significant political and legal challenges, including surviving an impeachment trial and a settlement related to a securities fraud indictment. He dismissed these controversies as unwarranted attacks, stating, “If you’re elected, I don’t care if you’re a Democrat, the most liberal Democrat, that shouldn’t happen to you any more than it should happen to me.”
Paxton’s potential Senate bid hinges on his fundraising capability, estimating he would require $20 million to challenge an incumbent like Cornyn. Despite the legal cloud hanging over him, Paxton’s poll results demonstrate his resilience and current appeal among conservative Texan voters. Conversely, Cornyn faces the challenge of shaking off his “RINO” label—a significant liability in a primary electorate that leans increasingly conservative.
As the electoral battle lines form and declarations become official, the race between Ken Paxton and John Cornyn is expected to intensify, drawing national attention to Texas’ shifting Republican dynamics and the broader implications for the party.
Original Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/02/us/politics/paxton-cornyn-senate.html
Category : United States Politics and Government,Conservatism (US Politics),Elections, Senate,Senate,Cornyn, John,Paxton, Ken,Trump, Donald J,Texas
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Publish Date: 2025-04-02 14:34:00
