Trump-backed 'MAGA warrior' Ken Paxton wins Texas Senate primary, alarming GOP moderates

His tenure has been marked by repeated legal and political battles. Paxton survived an impeachment proceeding in the Texas legislature, where multiple Republican colleagues voted against him. He has faced allegations of securities fraud, bribery, abuse of office, and nepotism, and was indicted on charges of securities fraud and abuse of office.

Paxton’s personal life has also drawn scrutiny. His 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.

Policy battles and legal fights

As attorney general, Paxton sued the federal government multiple times during the Obama and Biden administrations, including challenges to the Affordable Care Act. He has advocated for hardline immigration policies, opposition to abortion, and opposition to LGBTQ rights, and has initiated legal actions against Democrats, corporations, and nonprofit organizations.

The primary outcome has triggered alarm among more moderate Republicans. Some fear Paxton’s nomination could deter swing voters and allow Democrats to capture a Senate seat in Texas for the first time in over sixty years. The Democratic candidate, James Talarico, is seen as having a genuine opening.

GOP fears a Senate flip

Concerns also center on the financial cost of Paxton’s legal entanglements. Millions of dollars have been diverted to lawyers rather than the general election campaign, a point of frustration for the party’s establishment wing.

The Texas race is part of a broader pattern. In recent years, the Republican Party lost three Senate seats after Trump backed loyal but controversial candidates. If Democrats gain three Senate seats in the upcoming midterms, they would achieve a majority in the Senate, and it is considered highly likely they will also win a majority in the House of Representatives.

Without a majority in Congress, Trump would be largely constrained in his ability to act. The outcome of the Texas Senate race could therefore determine which party controls the upper chamber.

Incumbent Republican lawmakers who lost to Trump loyalists, including Cornyn, remain in Congress until next January. Last week, U.S. Senators adjourned early for a one-week recess without completing their business, as some Republican senators blocked finance bills in protest over a planned fund for what they called 'victims of justice under Biden.'

The midterm elections are scheduled for November of this year.