Full Breakdown
Ken Paxton Gains Momentum in Texas Senate Runoff Against John Cornyn
3/28/2026, 10:08:59 PM
Paxton's Rise at CPAC
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton emerged as a prominent figure at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) held in Grapevine, Texas, where he received robust support from conservative activists. Paxton, who is in a runoff election against incumbent Senator John Cornyn, delivered the keynote address at the Ronald Reagan dinner, expressing gratitude to his supporters for their loyalty during his impeachment ordeal four years ago. “I want you to know, there’s only one reason I got through all that, and it’s by the grace of God,” Paxton stated, eliciting applause from the audience. His performance at CPAC is seen as crucial for his campaign, especially as he seeks to galvanize grassroots support against Cornyn, who has a significant fundraising advantage and establishment backing.
The Political Landscape
Paxton's campaign is characterized by a strong alignment with the MAGA movement, as evidenced by endorsements from influential figures like Steve Bannon, who described him as “emblematic of the grassroots of the MAGA movement across the nation.” In contrast, Cornyn's absence from CPAC and his previous criticisms of Trump have led to skepticism among conservative voters. Paxton's supporters expressed a desire for change, with some citing Cornyn's long tenure and perceived failures to align with conservative values as reasons for their support of Paxton.
Key Issues and Legislative Support
A pivotal aspect of Paxton's campaign is his advocacy for the SAVE Act, which proposes strict proof-of-citizenship requirements for voting. This legislation aligns with Trump’s priorities but has faced obstacles in the Senate. Paxton's support for this act has been viewed as a strategic move to solidify his position within the Trump-aligned voter base. Joe Ropar, a CPAC attendee, remarked that Paxton's approach was “brilliant,” suggesting that it demonstrated a stronger loyalty to Trump compared to Cornyn.
Criticism of Cornyn
Cornyn's campaign has faced criticism from Paxton's supporters, who recall his past opposition to Trump’s border wall proposal and his support for gun control measures following the Uvalde school shooting. Cornyn's campaign has countered by labeling Paxton as “corrupt,” with campaign adviser Matt Mackowiak asserting that “character is on the ballot in May.” This ongoing narrative highlights the deep divisions within the Texas Republican Party as the runoff approaches.
Conflicting Reports on Trump's Endorsement
As the May 26 runoff date approaches, speculation surrounds whether Trump will endorse either candidate. While some sources indicate that Trump may not endorse Cornyn, others suggest that he could still back Paxton depending on the outcome of the SAVE Act discussions in the Senate. The lack of a clear endorsement from Trump has been interpreted by some as a sign of support for Paxton, further complicating the dynamics of the race.
What's Next
The Texas Senate runoff is set for May 26, 2026, with both candidates actively campaigning to secure their party's nomination. As the election date nears, the influence of Trump's endorsement, fundraising efforts, and grassroots support will play critical roles in determining the outcome of this contentious race.
