Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has launched a challenge against incumbent Senator John Cornyn for the 2026 US Senate race, citing fundamental disagreements over Republican values and support for Donald Trump’s agenda.
Key Insights
- Paxton, a close Trump ally, announced his Senate bid positioning himself as the defender of true Republican values against what he calls Cornyn’s establishment politics.
- The challenger has branded Cornyn as “Senator Ukraine” for prioritizing foreign aid over border security and criticized him for supporting gun restrictions.
- A recent poll shows Paxton leading Cornyn by 20 points in early matchup surveys, signaling potential voter discontent with the incumbent.
- Senate Republican leaders are reportedly seeking Trump’s endorsement for Cornyn to avoid a divisive primary, though Trump has previously criticized the senator.
- Paxton enters the race following his acquittal in a 2023 impeachment trial, positioning his legal battles as evidence of his willingness to fight establishment forces.
A Battle for the Soul of Texas Republicanism
Ken Paxton announced his candidacy during an appearance on Fox News’ “The Ingraham Angle,” framing the 2026 Senate race as a referendum on Republican values in Texas. The attorney general has positioned himself as a champion of Trump’s agenda, focusing particularly on border security, Second Amendment rights, and opposition to what he characterizes as establishment politics. Paxton’s move sets up what promises to be one of the most contentious Republican primaries in recent Texas history, with significant implications for the future direction of the GOP in a state that hasn’t elected a Democrat to statewide office in over three decades.
Paxton’s decision to challenge Cornyn represents a direct assault on one of the Senate’s most established Republican figures. Cornyn has served in the Senate since 2002 and has held significant leadership positions, including Senate Majority Whip. The attorney general’s announcement frames Cornyn as out of step with both Texas voters and Trump’s policy priorities, particularly regarding border security. The race highlights growing tensions within the Republican Party between traditional conservatives and the more populist, Trump-aligned wing that Paxton represents.
Policy Differences Driving the Challenge
At the center of Paxton’s challenge are substantive policy disagreements that he claims demonstrate Cornyn’s departure from core Republican values. The attorney general has been particularly vocal about Cornyn’s support for gun control measures, specifically his role in advancing bipartisan gun legislation. Paxton has also criticized Cornyn’s approach to border security, arguing that the senator has failed to prioritize the construction of a border wall and has instead focused on foreign aid initiatives.
“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.” – Ken Paxton
Immigration policy has become a particularly salient issue in Texas politics, with Paxton having led numerous legal challenges against the Biden administration’s border policies. As attorney general, Paxton has filed multiple lawsuits against federal immigration policies and was behind a significant effort to overturn the 2020 presidential election results. These actions have solidified his credentials with Trump supporters and the conservative base in Texas, potentially giving him an advantage in a Republican primary where Trump’s influence remains substantial.
Political Calculations and Electoral Dynamics
Early polling suggests Paxton starts the race with a substantial advantage, leading Cornyn by approximately 20 points according to surveys cited by campaign observers. This lead reflects both Paxton’s popularity among the Republican base and potential vulnerability for Cornyn, who has occasionally broken with Trump on key issues. Senate Republican leaders are reportedly concerned about the prospect of a bitter primary battle and have sought to secure Trump’s endorsement for Cornyn, though the former president has previously expressed dissatisfaction with the senator’s performance.
“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 enters the race having weathered significant legal and political challenges. In 2023, the Texas House impeached him on bribery charges, but he was subsequently acquitted in the Senate. A district court also awarded $6.6 million to former aides in a whistleblower lawsuit, a decision Paxton plans to appeal. Despite these controversies, Paxton successfully defeated primary challenger George P. Bush in 2022, demonstrating his resilience with Republican voters. The 2026 Senate race will test whether Cornyn’s experience and institutional support can withstand the challenge from a candidate closely aligned with Trump’s agenda in a state where the former president maintains strong support.
Sources:
- Texas AG Ken Paxton launches Senate primary challenge against Republican Sen. John Cornyn
- Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton Will Challenge Senator John Cornyn
