Trump-backed Ken Paxton defeats incumbent John Cornyn in Texas GOP Senate primary

A Broader Purge of Trump Critics

The Texas contest is part of a broader retaliation campaign by Trump to politically eliminate Republicans he deems disloyal. In recent weeks, Trump-backed challengers also defeated incumbent Representatives Thomas Massie of Kentucky and Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana in their respective primaries.

Paxton, 63, has served as Texas Attorney General since 2014. He previously served in the Texas House of Representatives and the Texas Senate, beginning his political career in 2002. He studied psychology and law and worked as a lawyer before entering politics.

Paxton's Political Rise and Legal Battles

As Attorney General, Paxton pursued hardline immigration policies, opposed abortion and LGBTQ rights, and sued the federal government multiple times under Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden, including over the Affordable Care Act, known as Obamacare.

Paxton's career has been marked by numerous scandals. He faced an impeachment proceeding, which he survived, though many Republican colleagues voted in favor of it. He has been indicted on charges of securities fraud and abuse of office, and has faced allegations of bribery, abuse of office, and nepotism.

His marriage ended following an extramarital affair that was linked to corruption allegations. Reports indicate a friend and major donor helped Paxton, and Paxton reciprocated with political and legal assistance.

High Stakes for the Senate Majority

The Democratic Party candidate for the Texas Senate seat is James Talarico. Democrats see a rare opportunity to win a Senate seat in Texas, a state that has not sent a Democrat to the U.S. Senate in more than sixty years.

Some Republicans fear that Paxton's nomination could deter moderate voters in the general election. In recent years, the Republican Party lost three Senate seats because Trump backed loyal but controversial candidates.

If Democrats gain three additional Senate seats in the midterms, they would achieve a majority in the Senate. It is also considered highly likely that Democrats will win a majority in the House of Representatives. Without a majority in Congress, Trump would be largely constrained in his ability to act.

The outcome of the Texas Senate race could therefore determine which party controls the majority in the U.S. Senate. The Republican incumbents who lost their primaries will remain in Congress until next January.

Last week, Senators adjourned early for a one-week recess without completing their business. Some Republican members of Congress blocked finance bills because they opposed a planned fund for what they called 'victims of justice under Biden'.