Ken Paxton to Challenge Sen. John Cornyn in 2026 Texas GOP Primary

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has announced his bid to unseat fellow Republican Senator John Cornyn in the 2026 GOP primary. Speaking on Fox News’ “The Ingraham Angle,” Paxton declared his intention to bring stronger conservative leadership to the U.S. Senate and to align more closely with former President Donald Trump’s agenda.

“I am running for U.S. Senate against John Cornyn,” said Paxton. “It’s time Texas had another senator who will truly fight for Republican values, represent the people of Texas, and strongly support Donald Trump’s priorities.”

Paxton’s campaign targets what he sees as Cornyn’s insufficient backing of conservative policies. The announcement sets the stage for a high-stakes intra-party battle between two prominent Texas Republicans.

Cornyn’s campaign responded swiftly, calling Paxton “a fraud” and defending the senator’s conservative record. They emphasized Cornyn’s consistent support for Trump-era policies, aiming to counter Paxton’s claims and reinforce his loyalty to the GOP base.

Trump, a central figure in Republican politics, has previously expressed support for both Cornyn and Paxton, making the upcoming primary a potential test of influence within the party. Cornyn, first elected in 2002, is seeking a fifth term in the Senate.

Texas has been a Republican stronghold in Senate races, with Democrats failing to secure a win since 1988. However, Paxton’s candidacy could reshape the state’s political landscape, energizing grassroots conservatives and potentially shifting the party further right.

The 2026 Republican primary is expected to draw national attention as the GOP navigates internal divisions and loyalty to Trump continues to shape electoral dynamics.