Full Breakdown
Ken Paxton Gains Momentum in Texas Senate Runoff at CPAC
3/30/2026, 7:20:58 AM
Conservative Political Action Conference Endorsement
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has emerged as a prominent figure in the Republican primary runoff for the U.S. Senate, bolstered by a significant endorsement from the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC). During the conference held in Grapevine, Texas, Paxton received overwhelming support, with 67% of attendees backing him in a straw poll, compared to 21% for incumbent Senator John Cornyn. CPAC Chairman Matt Schlapp officially endorsed Paxton, highlighting his alignment with the grassroots conservative movement and his perfect voting record at CPAC.
John Cornyn's Absence and Its Implications
Senator John Cornyn's absence from CPAC was notably criticized, with former Trump adviser Steve Bannon suggesting that Cornyn viewed the event as beneath him. This sentiment resonated with the crowd, who expressed their discontent through boos whenever Cornyn's name was mentioned. Paxton capitalized on this narrative, stating that Cornyn's absence reflected a disconnect from Texas voters. He emphasized the need for a senator who represents Texas values rather than Washington interests.
Key Issues and Campaign Strategies
Paxton's campaign has focused on several key issues, including election integrity and immigration policy. He has championed the SAVE America Act, which seeks to impose stricter proof-of-citizenship requirements for voting. While Cornyn has also endorsed the measure, Paxton has criticized him for not taking stronger action to advance it, labeling him a "coward" for his previous reluctance to alter Senate rules. This contrast has become a central theme in their campaign, with Paxton positioning himself as the candidate who will fight for conservative principles.
Criticism of Cornyn and Support for Paxton
Supporters at CPAC expressed their frustrations with Cornyn's record, citing his past criticisms of Trump's border wall proposal and his involvement in bipartisan gun control legislation following the Uvalde shooting. Many attendees believe that Cornyn has strayed from core Republican values, while they view Paxton as a steadfast ally of former President Trump. Some attendees even suggested that Trump's silence on the endorsement front could be interpreted as tacit support for Paxton.
Official Statements and Responses
Cornyn's campaign has defended his record, asserting that he has consistently aligned with Trump on key issues, claiming a 99.3% voting alignment with the former president. Cornyn's senior adviser, Matt Mackowiak, emphasized that character is on the ballot in May, arguing that Paxton's past controversies make him an unsuitable candidate. Meanwhile, Paxton's campaign has framed his impeachment and acquittal on corruption charges as a testament to his resilience and commitment to conservative values.
What's Next for the Candidates
The Texas Republican primary election is scheduled for May 26, 2026, with early voting running from May 18-22. As the runoff approaches, both candidates are ramping up their campaigns, with Paxton leveraging grassroots support and Cornyn relying on his established connections within the GOP establishment. The outcome of this race could have significant implications for the Republican Party, particularly as it prepares for the general election against Democratic nominee James Talarico.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I think it’s indicative of the problem with John Cornyn that he wouldn’t come to what I think is the largest grassroots event in the last year in Texas, and he wouldn’t even show up,” — Ken Paxton, Texas Attorney General
- “Cornyn’s not coming. You know why? He didn’t think you were important enough to talk to,” — Steve Bannon, Former Trump Adviser
- “We need a Senate that takes care of us, not Washington, and we need a senator in Texas that acts more like Ted Cruz than John Cornyn,” — Ken Paxton, Texas Attorney General
- “Character is on the ballot in May, and we know Texans will reject Ken Paxton’s mountain of unethical behavior once and for all.” — Matt Mackowiak, Cornyn Campaign Senior Adviser
This runoff election is shaping up to be a critical battleground within the Republican Party, reflecting broader tensions between establishment figures and grassroots conservatives.
