Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, a close ally of former President Donald Trump, has openly declared his intention to challenge incumbent Senator John Cornyn in the 2026 GOP primary. Paxton, who has long criticized Cornyn's conservative credentials, has garnered significant support from within the Texas GOP and is actively exploring a Senate run.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton , a staunch supporter of former President Donald Trump , has declared his intention to purge several Republicans from the Texas GOP, deeming them insufficiently conservative. Among those on Paxton's list is Senator John Cornyn , a prominent figure in the Senate Republican caucus. Paxton's announcement was met with enthusiastic applause from the Republican Party members gathered in Denton County.
Paxton, who collaborated with the Trump administration on a lawsuit that successfully halted the Biden administration's purchase of border wall materials, has long hinted at a potential Senate bid to replace Cornyn. Criticizing Cornyn for lacking accomplishments for both Texas and the nation, Paxton suggested in a September 2023 interview on Fox News that someone needed to challenge the incumbent. While acknowledging his satisfaction with his current role, Paxton revealed to Fox News Digital that he is exploring a 2026 Senate run and is in discussions with various groups in Texas. Paxton asserts that Cornyn fails to represent the conservative values of Texans and accuses him of being an inadequate ally to Trump. He has repeatedly labeled Cornyn a 'RINO,' a derogatory term used by MAGA and 'America First' Republicans to denigrate more moderate or establishment GOP members. Cornyn, who has served in the Senate since 2002 and held prominent leadership positions, has stated his intention to seek re-election in 2026. He is actively supporting Trump's Cabinet nominees and criticizing Democrats for delaying confirmations. Meanwhile, Paxton's path to the Senate is not without obstacles. He faced allegations of bribery and corruption during his 2022 re-election campaign, which he ultimately won against former Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush. He was also impeached by the Texas House of Representatives in 2023 but was subsequently acquitted by the state Senate. The potential primary contest between Paxton and Cornyn will likely be a highly competitive and closely watched race, with national implications. A key question is whether Trump will endorse Paxton, his longtime ally, or support the GOP establishment represented by Cornyn. Political analysts believe that the outcome of the race will depend on various factors, including Trump's endorsement, voter turnout, and campaign strategies
Ken Paxton John Cornyn Texas Senate GOP Primary Donald Trump Republican Party
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