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

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 before working as an attorney, and he and his wife founded a church and have four children together.

A Loyalist's Rise

As the state's chief prosecutor, Paxton pursued hardline immigration policies, opposed abortion, and opposed LGBTQ rights. He sued the federal government multiple times under Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden, including over the Affordable Care Act.

Paxton's career has been shadowed by extensive legal and ethical troubles. He has been indicted on charges of securities fraud and abuse of office, and has faced allegations of bribery, nepotism, and corruption.

In a scandal that drew national attention, Paxton survived an impeachment proceeding in which numerous party colleagues voted against him. A friend and major donor helped Paxton, and in return Paxton provided political and legal assistance to that donor. His marriage later ended following an extramarital affair that was linked to the corruption allegations.

Scandals and Impeachment

The primary campaign shattered spending records, with over 120 million dollars poured into the race, mostly on television advertising. Trump's late endorsement was seen as decisive in pushing Paxton past the more moderate Cornyn.

Trump's purge of disloyal Republicans extended beyond Texas. Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky and Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana also lost their primaries after being targeted by the former president.

Many Republicans are now openly skeptical of Paxton's nomination, fearing his scandals will deter voters in the fall. The moderate wing of the party is particularly concerned about having to spend millions more dollars to defend a candidate with such a heavy legal and ethical baggage.

Republican Fears and Democratic Hopes

Democrats see a clear opportunity. James Talarico is the Democratic candidate for the Senate seat, and the party believes the Republican turmoil could allow them to win in Texas for the first time in more than sixty years.

The stakes extend far beyond Texas. If Democrats gain three Senate seats in the midterms, they would win a majority in the upper chamber of Congress. It is already considered highly likely that Democrats will win a majority in the House of Representatives.

National Consequences

Without a majority in Congress, Donald Trump would be largely constrained in a potential return to the White House. Some Republican senators considered it unwise that Trump supported Paxton in Texas, viewing it as a gamble that could cost the party control of the Senate.

Last week, Senators adjourned early for a one-week recess without completing their business. Some Republicans blocked finance bills because they opposed a planned fund for what they called 'victims of justice under Biden.' The incumbents who lost to Trump loyalists will remain in Congress until next January.