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

Paxton, 63, has served as Texas Attorney General since 2014 and previously held seats in both the Texas House of Representatives and the Texas Senate. He studied psychology and law, worked as a lawyer, and founded a church with his wife, with whom he has four children.

A Controversial Figure

His career has been shadowed by multiple scandals. Paxton survived an impeachment proceeding in the Texas legislature, where several Republican colleagues voted against him. He has faced allegations of securities fraud, bribery, abuse of office, and nepotism.

Paxton’s marriage ended following an extramarital affair that was linked to corruption allegations involving a friend and major donor who allegedly received political and legal assistance in return. He remains indicted on charges of securities fraud and abuse of office.

As attorney general, Paxton pursued hardline conservative policies, suing the Obama and Biden administrations multiple times, including over the Affordable Care Act. He has also championed strict immigration enforcement, opposition to abortion, and opposition to LGBTQ rights.

The primary outcome has alarmed moderate Republicans who fear Paxton’s nomination could deter swing voters in the November midterm elections. Some party strategists worry they will have to spend millions more dollars defending the seat due to Paxton’s legal troubles and controversial image.

Implications for November

Democrats see an opportunity. James Talarico, the Democratic candidate for the Senate seat, hopes to attract disappointed Cornyn voters and Latino voters who have increasingly supported Republicans in recent years. Texas has not sent a Democrat to the U.S. Senate in more than sixty years.

The Texas race is part of a broader pattern. Trump has targeted Republican incumbents he considers disloyal, and his endorsed candidates have prevailed in primaries in other states. Representatives Thomas Massie of Kentucky and Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana both lost their primaries after facing Trump-backed challengers.

In recent years, the Republican Party has lost three Senate seats because Trump supported loyal but controversial candidates. If Democrats gain three Senate seats in the midterms, they would secure a majority in the chamber. It is considered highly likely that Democrats will win a majority in the House of Representatives.

Trump’s Broader Campaign

Without a majority in Congress, Trump would be largely constrained in pursuing his legislative agenda. The outcome of the Texas Senate race could therefore determine which party controls the Senate.

Last week, Senators adjourned early for a one-week recess without completing their business, in what was described as a small revolt. Some Republicans also blocked finance bills because they opposed a planned fund for what they called 'victims of justice under Biden'.

The defeated incumbents, including Cornyn, will remain in Congress until next January. The U.S. midterm elections are scheduled for early November 2026.