Story perspectives

Paxton Leads Texas GOP Primary Amid Senate Concerns

2/27/2026

Center

Paxton's Primary Challenge

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton leads the Republican primary.
Senate Republicans fear Paxton's nomination could cost them a Senate seat.
Senator John Cornyn may face Paxton in a runoff.
National Republicans have spent heavily against Paxton.
In Texas' 19th Congressional District, Tom Sell emphasizes local ties against Abraham Enriquez, who leans on connections to Trump, as the primary is set for March 3.

Left

Crenshaw's Primary Challenge

Representative Dan Crenshaw (R-TX) faces a primary challenge from State Representative Steve Toth.
Crenshaw has aligned with President Donald Trump’s agenda but criticized his election denialism.
Trump has not endorsed Crenshaw, leaving him as House Republican without the president’s support.
Abbott is spending $3.4 million on ads featuring Jasmine Crockett to boost turnout.
The ads tie Crockett to figures like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, portray her as the general-election target.

History

Historical Context

In the 2016 Texas Republican primary, Senator Ted Cruz defeated Donald Trump with 43% of the vote, reflecting deep divisions within the party. This contest occurred on March 1, during Super Tuesday, when Trump later won the overall nomination. Today, Texas politicians like Ken Paxton and Dan Crenshaw continue to navigate tensions between traditional conservatism and Trump's populist influence on the Republican Party.

1 of 3

Paxton's Primary Challenge

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton leads the Republican primary.
Senate Republicans fear Paxton's nomination could cost them a Senate seat.
Senator John Cornyn may face Paxton in a runoff.
National Republicans have spent heavily against Paxton.
In Texas' 19th Congressional District, Tom Sell emphasizes local ties against Abraham Enriquez, who leans on connections to Trump, as the primary is set for March 3.

1 / 3