Former Texas Gov. Rick Perry Vows to Spend 'Whatever We Need' to Back Cornyn in Senate Primary

Lone Star Freedom Project, chaired by Perry, has already spent nearly $18 million supporting Cornyn against Paxton and Hunt.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Former Texas Governor Rick Perry, who chairs the Lone Star Freedom Project political group, said the organization will spend "whatever we need" to support Senator John Cornyn in the Republican primary for the U.S. Senate. The group has already spent almost $18 million boosting Cornyn against challenges from Attorney General Ken Paxton and Congressman Wesley Hunt.

Why it matters

The Texas Senate race has become one of the most expensive in the country, with outside groups and Cornyn's own campaign spending tens of millions to support the incumbent senator and attack his GOP rivals. Perry's comments indicate the Lone Star Freedom Project is prepared to continue its heavy spending to help Cornyn fend off Paxton and Hunt, who are seen as more conservative alternatives.

The details

Cornyn, who is serving his fourth term in the U.S. Senate, is facing a tough primary challenge from Paxton and Hunt. Outside groups, Senate Republican leadership, and Cornyn's own fundraising committees have already spent nearly $60 million on the race. Perry's Lone Star Freedom Project has been one of the biggest spenders, accounting for more than $18 million of that total. With the primary heading to a likely runoff, Perry made clear the group will keep spending to support Cornyn.

  • The Texas Senate primary election is scheduled for March 3, 2026.
  • If no candidate receives more than 50% of the vote, the top two finishers will advance to a runoff election in May 2026.

The players

Rick Perry

The former governor of Texas and current chair of the Lone Star Freedom Project, a political group that has spent nearly $18 million supporting Senator John Cornyn in the Republican primary.

John Cornyn

The incumbent U.S. Senator from Texas, who is seeking his fifth term in office and facing challenges from more conservative candidates Ken Paxton and Wesley Hunt.

Ken Paxton

The current Attorney General of Texas, who is running against Cornyn in the Republican primary and portraying the senator as an establishment figure out of step with the MAGA movement.

Wesley Hunt

A U.S. Congressman from Houston who is also challenging Cornyn in the Republican primary.

Nick Maddux

An adviser to Ken Paxton's campaign, who argued that Cornyn has "betrayed Texas" and that Paxton is the true conservative warrior in the race.

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What they’re saying

“We are committed to John, and we will spend whatever we need to spend for him to be successful.”

— Rick Perry, Former Texas Governor (myparistexas.com)

“Republicans up and down the ticket will pay the price of having an albatross like the corrupt attorney general hung around their neck.”

— John Cornyn, U.S. Senator (myparistexas.com)

“Character matters in this race, and that's why the people of Texas overwhelmingly support Ken Paxton. They know that he is a conservative warrior who will always fight for us and our freedoms, even in the face of the Left trying to tear him down.”

— Nick Maddux, Paxton Campaign Adviser (myparistexas.com)

What’s next

The Texas Senate primary election is scheduled for March 3, 2026. If no candidate receives more than 50% of the vote, the top two finishers will advance to a runoff election in May 2026.

The takeaway

The high-stakes and high-spending battle for the Republican nomination in the Texas Senate race highlights the ongoing tensions within the GOP between establishment figures like Cornyn and more conservative, Trump-aligned candidates like Paxton. The outcome could have major implications for the party's control of the Senate and the direction of the Republican agenda in Washington.