Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has set the political world abuzz with his bold announcement to run for the U.S. Senate, challenging incumbent Senator John Cornyn in the 2026 Republican primary. Known for his fierce conservative stance and unwavering loyalty to former President Donald Trump, Paxton’s decision marks a pivotal moment for Texas politics. With the Lone Star State’s GOP base shifting further right, this race promises to be a fiery clash between two heavyweights, each representing a different vision for the party’s future.
Paxton officially threw his hat into the ring on April 8, 2025, confirming months of speculation. Fresh off dodging a federal corruption probe and surviving a 2023 impeachment trial, he’s riding a wave of momentum among hardline conservatives. Cornyn, a seasoned senator since 2002, now faces his toughest test yet. Will Paxton’s MAGA-fueled energy topple the establishment favorite? Let’s dive into what this means for Texas and beyond.
Why Ken Paxton Is Running
Ken Paxton isn’t one to shy away from a fight. He’s built a reputation as a legal warrior, filing over 100 lawsuits against the Biden administration and championing Trump’s agenda at every turn. His Senate bid stems from a belief that Cornyn has lost touch with Texas voters. Paxton has slammed the senator for supporting a 2022 gun safety bill and funding Ukraine over border security—moves that irked the GOP’s conservative base.
Recent polls show Paxton leading Cornyn among Republican voters, with a Texas Politics Project survey pegging his approval at 62% compared to Cornyn’s 49%. Paxton’s camp sees this as proof the senator’s time is up. “I’m running to fight for Trump’s agenda and smash the D.C. establishment,” Paxton declared on X. For his supporters, he’s the fresh blood Texas needs.
Cornyn, however, isn’t backing down. With endorsements from Senate Majority Leader John Thune and the National Border Patrol Council, he’s leaning on his decades of experience and fundraising prowess. The question is: can he sway the party’s increasingly MAGA-leaning primary voters?
What’s at Stake in This Senate Race
This isn’t just a personal grudge match—it’s a battle for the soul of the Texas GOP. Here’s what’s on the line:
- Party Direction: Paxton embodies the hard-right, Trump-aligned wing, while Cornyn represents the old-guard establishment. The winner could shape the GOP’s national trajectory.
- Voter Turnout: Paxton’s fiery rhetoric might energize the base, but his controversies could alienate moderates. Cornyn’s challenge is to rally conservatives without losing swing voters.
- Trump’s Influence: A Trump endorsement could tip the scales. Paxton claims he’s already in talks with Trump’s circle, but Cornyn has worked to mend fences with the former president.
The stakes couldn’t be higher. Political analysts predict this could be the “nastiest race in Texas history,” with millions of dollars pouring in. Democrats, meanwhile, are watching closely, hoping a Paxton win makes the general election winnable for them.
Ken Paxton vs. John Cornyn: A Head-to-Head Look
Let’s break down the matchup with a quick comparison:
| Factor | Ken Paxton | John Cornyn |
|---|---|---|
| Experience | AG since 2015, state legislator | Senator since 2002, ex-AG, judge |
| Base Support | MAGA loyalists, hard-right | Moderates, establishment GOP |
| Key Issues | Border security, Trump agenda | Bipartisan deals, border policy |
| Controversies | Impeachment, legal woes | Gun safety bill backlash |
| Fundraising | Strong grassroots potential | Proven $4.1M war chest |
Paxton’s edge lies in his appeal to the GOP’s fired-up base. Cornyn, though, has the institutional muscle and a track record of crushing challengers. It’s passion versus pragmatism in a state that loves a good showdown.
What Happens Next?
With the primary still a year away, both men are gearing up for a slugfest. Paxton’s announcement has already sparked fierce reactions. On X, supporters cheered, “Time to ditch RINO Cornyn!” while critics warned of his polarizing past. Cornyn brushed off the noise, telling FOX 4, “A little competition is okay.”
The real wildcard is Trump. If he backs Paxton, it could seal Cornyn’s fate. But if he stays neutral or sides with the senator, the race tightens. Either way, Texas voters are in for a wild ride. Will Paxton’s gamble pay off, or will Cornyn’s steady hand prevail? Stick around—this is one Senate race you won’t want to miss.