CPAC Activists Rally Behind Paxton for Texas Senate

Conservatives embrace Paxton over Cornyn as MAGA's choice for Senate seat

Mar. 29, 2026 at 12:35am

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At the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Dallas, activists have embraced Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton as the preferred MAGA candidate for the state's open Senate seat, rejecting incumbent Senator John Cornyn's bid for reelection.

Why it matters

The Texas Senate race is shaping up to be a key battleground in the ongoing power struggle within the Republican Party, with grassroots conservatives seeking to oust establishment figures like Cornyn in favor of more hardline MAGA-aligned candidates like Paxton.

The details

Paxton, a staunch ally of former President Trump, has been embraced by CPAC attendees as the true conservative champion to represent Texas in the Senate. This comes as Cornyn, a longtime Republican senator, has sought to reposition himself as more of a populist in recent months, drawing skepticism from the party's base.

  • The CPAC conference in Dallas took place from March 25-28, 2026.

The players

Ken Paxton

The current Attorney General of Texas and a close ally of former President Trump.

John Cornyn

The incumbent Republican U.S. Senator from Texas, who is seeking reelection.

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What’s next

The Texas Republican primary election is scheduled for May 5, 2026, where Paxton and Cornyn will face off for the party's nomination.

The takeaway

The battle for the Texas Senate seat highlights the ongoing power struggle within the Republican Party, as grassroots conservatives seek to oust establishment figures in favor of more hardline MAGA-aligned candidates.