Story perspectives

Senator Cornyn Criticized for Skipping CPAC, Booed by Crowd

3/30/2026

Summary

Story summary

Senator John Cornyn (R-Texas) did not attend CPAC in Grapevine, Texas, drawing criticism from Steve Bannon.
Steve Bannon, a former adviser to U.S. President Donald Trump, claimed CPAC was unimportant to Cornyn.
He urged voters to back Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in the Senate runoff.
The audience booed Cornyn multiple times during the event.
CPAC featured cabinet secretaries and influencers and showcased Texas culture with cowboy hats.

History

Historical Context

The 2021 Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) underscored deepening divisions within the Republican Party, particularly between establishment figures like Senator John Cornyn and Trump loyalists. With 74 million Americans voting for Trump in 2020, tensions echoed historical party fractures, such as the 1964 Republican National Convention. These divisions could significantly impact future elections and party cohesion in Texas and nationally.

1 of 2

Story summary

Senator John Cornyn (R-Texas) did not attend CPAC in Grapevine, Texas, drawing criticism from Steve Bannon.
Steve Bannon, a former adviser to U.S. President Donald Trump, claimed CPAC was unimportant to Cornyn.
He urged voters to back Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in the Senate runoff.
The audience booed Cornyn multiple times during the event.
CPAC featured cabinet secretaries and influencers and showcased Texas culture with cowboy hats.

1 / 2