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Texas Senate Seat at Risk: Cornyn Faces Paxton Challenge

2/27/2026

Summary

Story summary

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) warned that Texas's Senate seat could flip to Democrats if Sen. John Cornyn (R) loses the GOP primary to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.
Polls show Paxton leading Cornyn, raising concerns among Republicans about November.
National Republicans have spent nearly $100 million on the primary.
Paxton has strong grassroots support.
The primary is set for May 26 and has significant implications for Senate control.

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Story summary

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) warned that Texas's Senate seat could flip to Democrats if Sen. John Cornyn (R) loses the GOP primary to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.
Polls show Paxton leading Cornyn, raising concerns among Republicans about November.
National Republicans have spent nearly $100 million on the primary.
Paxton has strong grassroots support.
The primary is set for May 26 and has significant implications for Senate control.