Story perspectives

Paxton Rallies CPAC Support Ahead of Senate Runoff

3/28/2026

Summary

Story summary

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton spoke at CPAC in Grapevine, projecting confidence in his Senate runoff against incumbent Senator John Cornyn (R-Tex.).
Paxton framed the race around Texas values and criticized Cornyn's long tenure in Washington.
Supporters at CPAC backed Paxton and saw U.S. President Donald Trump's lack of endorsement for Cornyn as a positive sign.
Cornyn's campaign attacked Paxton's integrity, citing corruption allegations ahead of the May 26 runoff.

History

Historical Context

In the 2014 Texas elections, Greg Abbott was elected governor, marking a significant shift in the state's political landscape as all executive offices were held by new officeholders for the first time since 1874. The rise of the Tea Party influenced these elections, with candidates like Abbott and Ken Paxton reflecting the growing conservative sentiment, a trend that continues to shape Texas politics today.

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Story summary

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton spoke at CPAC in Grapevine, projecting confidence in his Senate runoff against incumbent Senator John Cornyn (R-Tex.).
Paxton framed the race around Texas values and criticized Cornyn's long tenure in Washington.
Supporters at CPAC backed Paxton and saw U.S. President Donald Trump's lack of endorsement for Cornyn as a positive sign.
Cornyn's campaign attacked Paxton's integrity, citing corruption allegations ahead of the May 26 runoff.

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