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

A polarizing figure with a long record

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 legislative career in 2002. He studied psychology and law before working as an attorney.

Throughout his tenure, Paxton has pursued hardline immigration policies, opposed abortion, and opposed LGBTQ rights. He sued the federal government multiple times under the Obama and Biden administrations, including challenges to the Affordable Care Act.

Paxton’s political rise has been shadowed by legal and ethical controversies. He has been indicted on charges of securities fraud and abuse of office, and he faced an impeachment proceeding that he survived. Numerous fellow Republicans voted in favor of his impeachment.

Scandals and survival

He has also faced allegations of bribery, nepotism, and corruption. His marriage ended following an extramarital affair that was linked to corruption allegations. A friend and major donor helped Paxton, and Paxton reciprocated with political and legal assistance.

The more moderate Cornyn, who had been discussed as a potential Senate leader, becomes the latest Republican incumbent to fall to a Trump-backed challenger. Trump also pushed for the removal of Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky and Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, both of whom lost their primaries.

Some Republicans fear Paxton’s nomination could deter general-election voters and allow Democrats to capture the Senate seat — and potentially the Senate majority. In recent years, the Republican Party has lost three Senate seats because Trump backed loyal but controversial candidates.

National stakes

Democrats see an opportunity. James Talarico, the Democratic nominee, will face Paxton in November. Texas has not sent a Democrat to the U.S. Senate in more than sixty years, but the party believes the seat is now in play.

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

Republican incumbents who lose primaries remain in Congress until the following January. Last week, U.S. Senators adjourned early for a one-week recess without completing their business. Some Republican senators considered Trump’s endorsement of Paxton in Texas unwise.

Some Republicans also blocked finance bills because they opposed a planned fund for what they called 'victims of justice under Biden.' The midterm elections are scheduled for early November 2026.