Ken Paxton Hosts Texas Primary Election Watch Party

Paxton hopes to unseat incumbent U.S. Senator John Cornyn in Republican primary

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Supporters of Ken Paxton, the Texas Attorney General, gathered at his election night watch party as he seeks to unseat incumbent U.S. Senator John Cornyn in the Republican primary election.

Why it matters

The Texas Republican primary is a closely watched race, as Paxton's challenge to the long-serving Cornyn represents a potential shift in the state's GOP leadership. Paxton has aligned himself with more conservative factions, while Cornyn is seen as part of the party's establishment wing.

The details

Paxton, who has served as Texas Attorney General since 2015, has positioned himself as a staunch conservative and ally of former President Trump. He has vowed to take on the "Washington establishment" if elected to the Senate.

  • The Texas primary election is being held on March 5, 2026.

The players

Ken Paxton

The current Texas Attorney General who is challenging incumbent U.S. Senator John Cornyn in the Republican primary election.

John Cornyn

The incumbent U.S. Senator from Texas who is seeking re-election in the Republican primary.

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What they’re saying

“We're here tonight to send a message that the establishment in Washington doesn't speak for Texas.”

— Ken Paxton, Texas Attorney General

What’s next

The results of the Texas Republican primary election will be closely watched, as Paxton's challenge to the incumbent Cornyn could signal a shift in the state's GOP politics.

The takeaway

The Texas Republican primary race between Paxton and Cornyn highlights the ongoing tensions within the party between more conservative and establishment factions, with the outcome potentially shaping the future direction of the state's GOP leadership.