Trump-backed Ken Paxton wins Texas Senate primary, ousting incumbent John Cornyn

Trump endorsed Paxton at the last moment before the runoff, calling him a 'real MAGA warrior who has ALWAYS delivered for Texas.' He had previously labeled Cornyn 'disloyal,' part of a broader push to purge Republican incumbents he considers insufficiently loyal.

That effort has already claimed other prominent Republicans. Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky and Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana both lost their primaries after Trump targeted them. The former president’s influence over the party base remains a decisive force heading into the midterm elections.

Trump’s Purge of Disloyal Republicans

Paxton, 63, has served as Texas Attorney General since 2014 and previously held seats in both chambers of the state legislature. He studied psychology and law, worked as an attorney, and founded a church with his wife, with whom he has four children.

His tenure, however, has been marked by repeated scandals. Paxton has been indicted on charges of securities fraud and abuse of office, and he survived an impeachment proceeding in the Texas legislature after allegations of bribery, nepotism, and corruption.

A Controversial Record

The corruption allegations were linked to an extramarital affair and a major donor who allegedly received political and legal assistance in return. Multiple Republican colleagues voted in favor of his impeachment, though he was ultimately acquitted.

As Attorney General, Paxton built a national profile by suing the federal government repeatedly during the Obama and Biden administrations, including challenges to the Affordable Care Act. He has also championed hardline immigration policies, opposition to abortion, and opposition to LGBTQ rights.

The Democratic candidate for the Senate seat is James Talarico. Democrats see an opening in Texas, a state that has not elected a Democrat to the U.S. Senate in more than sixty years.

Democratic Hopes and Republican Fears

Some Republicans fear that Paxton’s nomination could deter moderate and independent voters, potentially allowing Democrats to flip the seat. In recent years, the GOP lost three Senate seats after Trump backed loyal but controversial candidates.

The Texas race carries national implications. If Democrats gain three Senate seats in the midterms, they would achieve a majority in the chamber. Democrats are also considered highly likely to win a majority in the House of Representatives.

The midterm elections are scheduled for early November 2026. Until then, Republican incumbents who lost their primaries, including Cornyn, will remain in Congress. Last week, Senators adjourned early for a recess without completing their business, as some Republican members blocked finance bills over a dispute about a planned fund for what they called 'victims of justice under Biden.'

The outcome in Texas will be closely watched as a test of whether Trump’s influence can extend beyond primary victories to general-election success in a rapidly changing state.