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

A Controversial Figure

His tenure has been marked by hardline conservative policies, including aggressive immigration enforcement, opposition to abortion, and legal challenges to LGBTQ rights. He repeatedly sued the federal government under Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden, including over the Affordable Care Act.

However, Paxton's career has also been shadowed by numerous scandals. He has been indicted on charges of securities fraud and abuse of office, and has faced allegations of bribery, nepotism, and corruption.

Paxton survived an impeachment proceeding in which many members of his own party voted to remove him. His marriage ended following an extramarital affair that was linked to corruption allegations involving a friend and major donor, for whom Paxton provided political and legal assistance.

Implications for the Midterms

The primary result has triggered alarm among some Republicans, who fear Paxton's controversies could repel moderate voters in the general election. Texas has not elected a Democrat to the U.S. Senate in more than sixty years, but the party now sees a potential opportunity.

James Talarico is the Democratic candidate running for the Senate seat. If Democrats gain three seats nationwide in the November midterms, they would secure a majority in the Senate, and the party is already considered highly likely to win control of the House of Representatives.

The outcome in Texas could therefore determine which party controls the upper chamber. Some Republican members of Congress privately considered Trump's endorsement of Paxton unwise, citing past losses where the former president backed loyal but controversial candidates.

A Divided Party

In recent years, the Republican Party lost three Senate seats under similar circumstances. The defeated incumbent, John Cornyn, had been discussed as a potential Senate leader but occasionally criticized Trump, leading the former president to label him 'disloyal'.

The primary is part of the lead-up to the midterm elections scheduled for early November 2026. Republican incumbents who lost to Trump loyalists will remain in Congress until next January.

Last week, Senators adjourned early for a one-week recess without completing their business, while some Republicans blocked finance bills over a dispute about a planned fund for what they called 'victims of justice under Biden'.