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Texas Senate Runoff: $128M Race Reshapes Political Landscape

3/4/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On May 26, a runoff will decide the Texas Senate race after neither Senator John Cornyn nor Attorney General Ken Paxton won a majority.
The primary has become the most expensive in history, surpassing $128 million.
Cornyn attacked Paxton’s record, calling him "dead weight" for the party.
The outcome could reshape Texas politics, as Democrats see a chance to win a statewide seat.

History

Historical Context

The 2022 Texas Senate race runoff echoed the 1994 Republican Revolution, when Newt Gingrich's party seized Congress. In 2022, escalating campaign costs reached $128 million, reflecting fierce partisan battles, particularly over school vouchers. The outcome could enable Democrats to secure a statewide seat for the first time in decades, reshaping Texas politics amid ongoing internal Republican conflicts.

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Story summary

On May 26, a runoff will decide the Texas Senate race after neither Senator John Cornyn nor Attorney General Ken Paxton won a majority.
The primary has become the most expensive in history, surpassing $128 million.
Cornyn attacked Paxton’s record, calling him "dead weight" for the party.
The outcome could reshape Texas politics, as Democrats see a chance to win a statewide seat.

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