In a decisive victory that underscores the enduring influence of the MAGA wing within the Republican Party, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton defeated four-term U.S. Senator John Cornyn in the state’s GOP Senate primary runoff on May 26, 2026. With the vast majority of votes counted, Paxton secured approximately 63-64% of the vote to Cornyn’s 36%, advancing as the Republican nominee to face Democratic state Rep. James Talarico in November’s general election in deeply red Texas.
The outcome marks a significant upset for the GOP establishment. Cornyn, who has represented Texas in the Senate since 2002, became the first Texas senator in modern history to lose a renomination bid. Paxton’s win, reluctantly backed by President Donald Trump, who only endorsed with days until the runoff, signals a continued purge of RINOs in the party.
Background
Cornyn edged Paxton with roughly 42% to 40-41%, with the remainder split among other candidates, including Rep. Wesley Hunt. This forced a May 26 runoff—the first head-to-head matchup between the two prominent Texas Republicans. Despite the narrow victory in round 1, Cronyn would get clapped in the runoff.
The race became the most expensive Senate primary in US history, with total ad spending exceeding $100-135 million. Pro-Cornyn groups and the incumbent outspent Paxton significantly, by some estimates $80-90 million more on advertising, yet the financial advantage failed to sway voters.
Cornyn and allies hammered Paxton over personal and professional controversies: a 2023 impeachment trial (from which he was acquitted) involving abuse-of-power allegations and reports of extramarital affairs, a messy divorce, and ongoing legal scrutiny. Pro-Cornyn ads flooded the airwaves with these attacks. Yet Paxton countered effectively because no matter his personal failings, he is preferable to a corrupt politician who opposes the will of his constituents.
Analysis
The era of rubber stamp primaries appears to be over for Republican incumbents, and this is a welcomed change. Two sitting US Senators fell in Republican primaries, Bill Cassidy came in third place, not even making the runoff. This is an incredible development as Americans, even Republicans, love to vote for incumbents in the primary.
One Response
No, Paxton was clearly the favorite here in Texas against rino Cornyn, especially among real conservatives. Trump only got on board (and after the voting began!) when it was clear Paxton was going to win. Trump and MAGA had little to do with Paxton’s win, but it’s being used by Trump to promote the idea of Trump’s power. Paxton is the most viable candidate against Talarico.