Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has declared war on establishment Republican John Cornyn, announcing his 2026 Senate challenge with a bold promise to “take a sledgehammer to the D.C. establishment” while polls already show him leading by 20 points.
Key Takeaways
- Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is challenging three-term Senator John Cornyn for his seat in 2026, criticizing his lack of support for Trump’s agenda.
- Paxton, a Trump ally who survived impeachment in 2023, leads Cornyn by 20 points in early polling.
- Cornyn has drawn conservative ire for supporting gun restrictions, Ukraine funding, and opposing border wall funding.
- Senate GOP leaders are attempting to secure Trump’s endorsement for Cornyn despite Trump previously criticizing him.
- The race highlights growing divisions within the Republican party between establishment figures and Trump-aligned conservatives.
MAGA Loyalty vs. GOP Establishment
Ken Paxton made his intentions crystal clear during his announcement on Fox News’ “The Ingraham Angle,” positioning himself as the true conservative alternative to John Cornyn, whom he portrays as disconnected from Texas values. The announcement comes after Paxton survived impeachment proceedings in 2023, emerging politically stronger and more determined to reshape Texas representation in Washington. Cornyn, a three-term senator who has held significant leadership positions including Senate Majority Whip, now faces his most serious primary challenge from a fellow Republican who has built his brand on unwavering loyalty to Donald Trump.
Paxton has methodically outlined Cornyn’s divergence from the MAGA agenda, particularly on border security, where he claims the senator has prioritized foreign interests over protecting Texas. “I’m going to start calling him ‘Senator Ukraine,’ because he’s funding Ukraine more than he’s funding our border, and that’s a problem in Texas,” Paxton declared, hitting on an issue that resonates deeply with conservative voters in the border state. This focused attack on Cornyn’s foreign policy priorities reflects broader Republican debates about America First policies versus traditional interventionist approaches.
Surviving Scandal, Building Strength
Paxton enters the race having weathered significant legal and political storms. Despite being impeached by the Texas House in 2023 on bribery allegations, he was acquitted in the Senate trial. His campaign will likely frame this as evidence of his resilience against establishment forces. The Cornyn campaign has already attempted to use these controversies against Paxton, labeling him a “fraud” in their initial response to his announcement. However, Paxton’s political survival through multiple controversies suggests these attacks may have limited impact on his core supporters who view him as a fighter against institutional power.
“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.” – Ken Paxton
While Paxton still faces some legal challenges, including a $6.6 million judgment in a whistleblower lawsuit filed by former aides that he plans to appeal, his political standing among conservatives remains strong. His aggressive litigation against the Biden administration, including leading efforts to overturn the 2020 election results, has cemented his reputation as a warrior for conservative causes. This record of legal activism is likely to appeal to primary voters who prioritize confrontational approaches to Democratic policies over Cornyn’s more bipartisan legislative style.
Trump Factor Looms Large
The wildcard in this high-stakes primary battle is former President Donald Trump, whose endorsement could prove decisive. Senate Republican leaders, recognizing the threat Paxton poses to their colleague, have reportedly sought Trump’s support for Cornyn. However, Trump has previously criticized Cornyn, calling him ineffective, and maintains a warm relationship with Paxton, who led legal efforts to challenge the 2020 election results. The contrast between Cornyn’s traditional Republican stance and Paxton’s full-throated support for Trump exemplifies the ongoing battle for the soul of the Republican Party.
“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
With early polling showing Paxton leading Cornyn by 20 points, this race has already sent shockwaves through Republican circles. Cornyn’s support for gun control legislation following the Uvalde school shooting and his backing of Ukraine aid packages have alienated him from segments of the conservative base that prize Second Amendment rights and America First foreign policy. As Paxton positions himself as the true heir to the Trump movement in Texas, Cornyn faces the difficult task of defending his long record in Washington to an increasingly populist and anti-establishment Republican electorate.
Sources:
- Texas AG Ken Paxton launches Senate primary challenge against Republican Sen. John Cornyn
- Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton Will Challenge Senator John Cornyn
