Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton won the GOP primary runoff against four-term Senator John Cornyn on May 26, 2026, receiving 62.5% of the votes compared to Cornyn's 37.5%. This primary was seen as a reflection of loyalty to former President Donald Trump, who endorsed Paxton. Paxton will face Democratic nominee James Talarico in the general election.
Cornyn, who has served in the Senate since 2002, focused his campaign on Paxton's past conduct, including a settled indictment for state securities fraud and allegations of infidelity. However, the primary race shifted to a discussion of Trump's influence and Cornyn's perceived lack of support for the former president and conservative values. Cornyn faced criticism for his bipartisan efforts on gun control legislation following the Uvalde shooting and for suggesting that Trump could not win another presidential term.
Trump endorsed Paxton, stating, "I know Ken well, have seen him tested at the highest and most difficult levels, and he is a WINNER." Paxton's campaign included a proposal to eliminate the 60-vote filibuster threshold for certain legislation, which Cornyn eventually supported, but this did not garner enough backing from other Senate Republicans.
Despite Cornyn leading the initial March primary with 42% of the vote, a runoff was necessary as neither candidate achieved over 50%. National Democrats are optimistic about Talarico's fundraising and Paxton's controversial record as attorney general, which includes his impeachment by the Texas House in 2023, although he was acquitted by the Senate. A recent poll indicated a tight race between Talarico and both candidates, with Cornyn leading Talarico by 1%.