Texas Senate Race: Ken Paxton Challenges John Cornyn, Sparks GOP Divide
The 2026 Senate race in Texas is already shaping up to be a defining battle within the Republican Party, as Attorney General Ken Paxton mounts a high-profile primary challenge against longtime incumbent Senator John Cornyn. In just days since his official campaign launch, Paxton has drawn sharp battle lines and split Republican leadership—both in Texas and Washington.
Paxton Secures Early Support from Texas GOP House Delegation
Two prominent Texas Republicans in the House of Representatives—Rep. Lance Gooden and Rep. Troy Nehls—have already endorsed Paxton, signaling a strong populist wave of support.
“Attorney General Paxton is the conservative champion we need in the U.S. Senate,” said Gooden. “He will take a sledgehammer to the establishment, secure the border, and fight hard for President Trump’s agenda.”
Nehls echoed that sentiment, praising Paxton’s tenacity:
“He’s a bulldog, and that’s what we need in the Senate.”
Their early backing underscores the growing momentum behind Paxton’s campaign, particularly among grassroots conservatives and America First loyalists.
Establishment GOP Circles the Wagons Around Cornyn
Despite the early endorsements for Paxton, establishment Republicans are quickly closing ranks around Cornyn. On Wednesday, Senator Tim Scott, chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC), issued an official endorsement for Cornyn, praising his seniority and leadership.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune has also reportedly lobbied President Donald Trump to support Cornyn, stating:
“We’re supporting Sen. Cornyn. He’s done a great job for Texas and for the country. And we need him back.”
This pressure from GOP leadership suggests concerns that Paxton’s insurgent campaign could further fracture the party and shift its center of gravity toward the populist right.
Trump’s Endorsement Looms Large
A recent internal poll reportedly shows Paxton leading Cornyn 53% to 28% in a hypothetical primary matchup. However, that dynamic could shift significantly depending on who wins Trump’s endorsement—a wildcard that may ultimately decide the outcome.
In his campaign launch video, Paxton left no ambiguity about where he stands:
“John Cornyn has been in Washington for over two decades, and he has turned his back on President Trump and the America First agenda time after time. I’m a battle-tested Attorney General and conservative warrior who’s secured major victories against the establishment, the corrupt Biden Administration, and woke corporations.”
He added:
“Now, I’m ready to take that same toughness to the U.S. Senate.”
Cornyn Fires Back
Senator Cornyn, a fixture in Republican leadership since the early 2000s, responded sharply to Paxton’s challenge. On social media, he emphasized his pro-Trump voting record and dismissed Paxton’s campaign as opportunistic.
“During his first term John Cornyn voted with President Trump more than 95% of current Senators,” he wrote, “securing the votes for his biggest accomplishments as his Whip.”
“Democrats are trying to destroy President Trump, and he and Texas need a battle-tested conservative who knows how to protect his agenda in the Senate and won’t be outsmarted by Chuck Schumer,” Cornyn added. “Ken Paxton is a fraud.”
Looking Ahead: A Proxy War for the Soul of the GOP
The Cornyn-Paxton showdown is emerging as a proxy war over the future of the Republican Party, pitting establishment Republicans against a growing populist base energized by Trump’s enduring influence.
If Paxton maintains his early lead and secures Trump’s endorsement, it could mark a seismic shift in Texas politics—and reverberate nationally, especially in a Senate closely divided along partisan lines.
As the race continues to evolve, all eyes will be on whether Trump chooses to weigh in—and how much sway his decision will still carry in 2026.
