Story perspectives

Paxton Leads Senate Race Amid Impeachment Scandals

2/21/2026

Summary

Story summary

Ken Paxton, the Texas Attorney General, is campaigning for the Republican Senate nomination against incumbent John Cornyn.
Paxton faces impeachment and corruption allegations, yet he leads polls ahead of the March 3 primary.
Supporters view him as a fighter for conservative values, while some Republicans question electability due to baggage.
A competitive Texas race could influence the broader midterm landscape, with Democrats seeing Paxton as a potentially vulnerable opponent.

History

Historical Context

The Reconstruction Act of 1869 aimed to transform Southern politics, reshaping power dynamics in Texas. Currently, Governor Greg Abbott faces scrutiny, with 60% of voters concerned about corruption. Attorney General Ken Paxton's campaign reflects a historical trend of leveraging conservative values amid controversy, potentially reshaping Republican strategies and echoing past electoral battles that have influenced the national political landscape.

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Story summary

Ken Paxton, the Texas Attorney General, is campaigning for the Republican Senate nomination against incumbent John Cornyn.
Paxton faces impeachment and corruption allegations, yet he leads polls ahead of the March 3 primary.
Supporters view him as a fighter for conservative values, while some Republicans question electability due to baggage.
A competitive Texas race could influence the broader midterm landscape, with Democrats seeing Paxton as a potentially vulnerable opponent.

1 / 2