Texas Senate Clash: Paxton vs. Cornyn on GOP Ideals and Legacy

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has launched a campaign against Senator John Cornyn for the 2026 U.S. Senate race, positioning himself as a Trump loyalist against what he calls the “D.C. establishment.”

Key Takeaways

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is challenging incumbent Senator John Cornyn for the 2026 U.S. Senate seat, creating a high-profile GOP primary battle.
Paxton frames the race as a fight between Trump loyalists and establishment Republicans, criticizing Cornyn’s positions on border security, gun control, and Ukraine funding.
Paxton enters the race following his acquittal in a 2023 impeachment trial and boasts strong support in early polling, leading Cornyn by 20 points.
Senate Republican leaders have sought Trump’s endorsement for Cornyn, but Trump has previously criticized the senator’s leadership.
The winner will likely retain the seat for Republicans, as Democrats haven’t won statewide office in Texas in over 30 years.

A Battle for Republican Identity

Attorney General Ken Paxton announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate on Fox News’ “The Ingraham Angle,” setting up what promises to be a contentious primary battle against three-term incumbent Senator John Cornyn. Paxton, who has positioned himself as a leader among the Republican Party’s conservative wing, made it clear that his campaign will focus on what he views as Cornyn’s failure to uphold core Republican principles and support former President Donald Trump’s agenda.

Paxton didn’t mince words when announcing his candidacy, declaring, “I’m running for U.S. Senate to fight for President Trump’s agenda and take a sledgehammer to the D.C. establishment. Together, let’s send John Cornyn packing.” This direct challenge to Cornyn underscores the ongoing tension within the Republican Party between traditional conservatives and those aligned with Trump’s vision for the party.

Policy Divisions and Trump Loyalty

The conflict between Paxton and Cornyn centers on several key policy areas where Paxton claims Cornyn has failed to support conservative values. Paxton has criticized Cornyn for opposing Trump’s border wall, supporting gun control measures, and prioritizing aid to Ukraine over border security. These issues resonate strongly with Texas voters, particularly those concerned about immigration and Second Amendment rights.

“We have a great U.S. Senator, Ted Cruz, and it’s time we have another great senator that will actually stand up for Republican values, fight for the values of the people of Texas, and also support Donald Trump in the areas he’s focused on, in a very significant way. That’s what I plan on doing.” – Ken Paxton

Paxton has gone so far as to nickname Cornyn “Senator Ukraine,” claiming that “he’s funding Ukraine more than he’s funding our border, and that’s a problem in Texas.” This attack highlights Paxton’s strategy of tying domestic issues to America-first priorities that resonate with Trump’s base. Meanwhile, Cornyn, who has served in the Senate since 2002 and held significant leadership roles including Senate Majority Whip, has attempted to maintain his conservative credentials while occasionally breaking with Trump.

Political Background and Legal Controversies

Paxton enters the Senate race following a tumultuous period in his career. In 2023, the Texas House impeached him on charges of bribery and abuse of office, but he was later acquitted by the state Senate. Paxton has also faced ongoing legal challenges, including a $6.6 million judgment awarded to former aides in a whistleblower lawsuit, which he plans to appeal. Despite these controversies, Paxton successfully defended his position as Attorney General in 2022 against challenger George P. Bush.

“it’s definitely time for a change in Texas.” – Ken Paxton

Cornyn’s campaign has already started attacking Paxton’s legal troubles, referring to him as a “fraud.” This signals what will likely be a bitter primary battle between the two Republican heavyweights. Senate Republican leadership has reportedly sought Trump’s endorsement for Cornyn to help ward off Paxton’s challenge, but Trump has previously criticized Cornyn, calling him weak on various issues important to the former president’s agenda.

The Road to 2026

Early polling shows Paxton with a commanding 20-point lead over Cornyn, indicating the incumbent senator faces a serious challenge from his right flank. Paxton’s strong litigation record against the Biden administration and his vocal support for Trump-aligned positions on issues like campus drag shows, women’s sports, and abortion have earned him significant support among conservative voters in Texas.

No Democratic candidate has yet entered the 2026 Senate race in Texas. The state has not elected a Democrat to statewide office in over 30 years, making the Republican primary the decisive contest for the Senate seat. With more than two years until the election, both Paxton and Cornyn will have ample time to make their case to Texas voters about who best represents Republican values and the future of the party.