Overview

• John Cornyn has officially announced his 2026 Senate reelection campaign, seeking a fifth term after over two decades in office.
• Senate Majority Leader John Thune endorsed Cornyn, praising his role in building the Republican Senate majority and supporting Trump's agenda.
• Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, a MAGA-aligned figure, is considering a primary challenge, criticizing Cornyn's conservative credentials and past remarks about Trump.
• Polls indicate Paxton has stronger approval ratings among Texas Republicans, but his legal controversies and fundraising challenges could complicate a potential campaign.
• The race highlights growing divisions within the Texas GOP between establishment Republicans like Cornyn and far-right figures like Paxton.