Ken Paxton Announces Senate Bid, Challenging John Cornyn in Texas GOP Primary

The Texas Attorney General positions himself as a Trump-aligned insurgent against the long-serving Senator, setting up a contentious and costly 2026 primary battle.

Ken Paxton, Texas Attorney General and staunch Trump ally, officially declared his campaign to unseat Senator John Cornyn in the 2026 Republican primary.
Paxton accuses Cornyn of abandoning Trump's agenda and frames his campaign as a fight against the D.C. establishment and for conservative values.
Polling data suggests Paxton has a significant lead among Texas Republican voters, with grassroots support bolstering his bid.
Cornyn's campaign defends his record, highlighting his alignment with Trump’s policies and portraying Paxton as a flawed candidate with a history of legal and ethical controversies.
The race is expected to be one of the most expensive and divisive Republican primaries, with both candidates vying for Trump’s endorsement to secure an edge.