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Paxton defeats Cornyn in record-breaking Republican primary
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton secured a decisive victory over Senator John Cornyn in Tuesday's Republican runoff, ending the 23-year congressional career of a senior GOP leader and setting the stage for a fiercely contested November election.
Historic upset reshapes Texas politics
The runoff marked the most expensive Senate primary in U.S. history, with both candidates pouring millions into the race. Cornyn, a 12-year veteran of Senate Republican leadership, became the second incumbent senator in 10 days to fall in a party primary, following Louisiana's Bill Cassidy, who failed to advance to a runoff earlier this month.
Paxton, 62, framed the race as a battle between Washington insiders and grassroots conservatives, positioning Cornyn as out of touch with Texas voters. Despite being outspent nearly 9-to-1, Paxton's populist message resonated with the state's Republican base, particularly among supporters of former President Donald Trump.
Trump's influence looms large
While Trump endorsed Paxton only days before the runoff-after initially appearing to favor Cornyn-the timing underscored the former president's sway over the party's direction. Cornyn, a loyal Trump ally in the Senate, faced criticism for not aggressively backing the former president's voting reform efforts, which Trump cited in labeling him "disloyal."
Paxton's victory reflects broader trends within the GOP, where Trump-backed candidates have repeatedly ousted establishment figures. However, analysts note that Texas's appetite for firebrand conservatism may now extend beyond Trump's personal influence.
November showdown with Democrats
Paxton will face Democratic state legislator James Talarico in November's general election, a race that could determine control of the U.S. Senate during the final two years of President Trump's term. Democrats view Paxton as a vulnerable candidate due to his long history of legal and ethical controversies, while Republicans remain favored in a state that hasn't elected a Democratic senator since 1988.
Polls suggest a tight contest, with Paxton already pivoting to attack Talarico as a "left-wing extremist" in recent campaign ads. The outcome could hinge on whether Texas voters prioritize partisan loyalty over Paxton's baggage.
Other key primary results
Beyond the Senate race, Tuesday's primaries delivered several notable outcomes:
- In the Republican race for attorney general, state Senator Mayes Middleton defeated Congressman Chip Roy, a small-government conservative who had clashed with Trump.
- Trump-backed candidates prevailed in two House runoffs: Alex Mealer in the 9th District and Carlos De La Cruz in the 35th, both defeating Abbott-endorsed rivals.
- Democrats avoided nominating a controversial candidate in the 35th District, where sheriff's deputy Johnny Garcia overcame Maureen Galindo, whose remarks about detaining American Zionists had sparked national backlash.
- In Houston's 18th District, 38-year-old Congressman Christian Menefee unseated 78-year-old incumbent Al Green, who had been targeted by a cryptocurrency-backed PAC for his criticism of the industry.
- Near Dallas, former Congressman Colin Allred defeated Julie Johnson in the 33rd District, a proxy battle tied to the Democratic Senate primary, where Johnson had backed Talarico.
What's next
With the primary season nearing its end, both parties are recalibrating strategies for November. Democrats see an opening in Texas but face an uphill battle in a state trending Republican. Meanwhile, Paxton's campaign is shifting focus to Talarico, framing the race as a choice between conservative values and progressive policies.
The general election will test whether Texas voters are willing to break with tradition-or if the state's GOP dominance remains unshaken.
