Full Breakdown
Ken Paxton Intensifies Senate Campaign Against John Cornyn
2/17/2026, 1:53:47 AM
Overview of the Senate Race
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is intensifying his campaign to unseat four-term Republican Senator John Cornyn in what is shaping up to be a contentious GOP primary. Paxton, who announced his candidacy ten months ago, is now actively engaging voters with a series of rallies and advertisements as early voting begins for the March 3 primary.
Campaign Strategy and Activities
Paxton's campaign has recently shifted gears, moving from low-profile events to a more aggressive approach. He is set to embark on a four-day rally tour organized by the Lone Star Liberty PAC, aimed at mobilizing support ahead of early voting. Until now, his campaign had primarily relied on conservative causes and limited public appearances, including a few podcasts. However, with the primary approaching, he has begun airing ads that connect him with former President Donald Trump, despite Trump not endorsing any candidate in the race.
Financial Dynamics and Opposition
The financial landscape of the campaign is heavily skewed against Paxton, with Cornyn and his allies reportedly spending over $54 million on advertising to undermine Paxton's image. This includes highlighting Paxton's impeachment on fraud charges and personal controversies, such as allegations of marital infidelity made by his wife, state Senator Angela Paxton. Despite this onslaught, Republican strategists note that the negative campaigning has not significantly dented Paxton's standing among primary voters.
Criticism and Concerns from GOP Leaders
Republican leaders in Washington have expressed concerns about Paxton's viability as the GOP nominee, arguing that he would require extensive financial resources to defend against expected attacks in a general election. A memo from the National Republican Senatorial Committee indicated that Paxton would perform worse than Cornyn against potential Democratic challengers, putting the Senate seat at risk. This sentiment reflects a broader worry that Paxton's controversies could jeopardize Republican chances in a state that Trump won by over 13 percentage points.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I wish they’d stop sending money from Washington, D.C.,” — Ken Paxton, Texas Attorney General
- “Ken Paxton isn’t just corrupt. He’s weird.” — Narrator in an ad by Texans for a Conservative Majority
- “Cornyn wins the general election,” the memo states.” — National Republican Senatorial Committee memo
What's Next
As the primary approaches, Paxton's campaign is expected to ramp up its efforts to secure a majority of the vote to avoid a runoff. Meanwhile, Democrats are preparing to contest the seat, with U.S. Representative Jasmine Crockett and state Representative James Talarico vying for the Democratic nomination. The outcome of this primary could significantly influence the dynamics of the upcoming general election in Texas.
