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CPAC Activists Embrace Paxton as MAGA's Senate Pick Over Cornyn
Texas Attorney General faces indictment but wins over conservative base
Mar. 29, 2026 at 7:15am
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The Texas GOP's internal divisions are on full display as conservative activists rally behind the embattled Attorney General Paxton over the more establishment-aligned Senator Cornyn.Beaumont TodayAt the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Texas, activists have rallied behind state Attorney General Ken Paxton as the preferred MAGA-aligned candidate for the U.S. Senate, positioning him as a challenger to incumbent Republican John Cornyn. Paxton, who is under indictment for securities fraud, has gained favor with the conservative base for his hardline stances and loyalty to former President Trump.
Why it matters
Paxton's potential Senate bid represents a growing rift within the Texas Republican party, as the more traditional, establishment-aligned Cornyn faces a challenge from the further-right Paxton wing backed by Trump supporters. This dynamic mirrors national trends within the GOP as the party grapples with its identity and direction.
The details
Paxton, who has served as Texas Attorney General since 2015, has cultivated a reputation as a fierce conservative warrior, joining legal challenges against the Affordable Care Act and the 2020 election results. Despite being under felony indictment since 2015 for alleged securities fraud, Paxton has maintained strong support among the Republican base, especially after aligning himself closely with former President Trump.
- The Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) was held in Grapevine, Texas in late March 2026.
The players
Ken Paxton
The current Attorney General of Texas who is under felony indictment but has gained favor with the MAGA wing of the Republican party.
John Cornyn
The incumbent Republican U.S. Senator from Texas, representing a more traditional, establishment wing of the party.
What they’re saying
“Paxton has shown he's willing to fight for the conservative values that matter most to us.”
— Mary Jones, CPAC attendee
“Cornyn is too much of a moderate - we need fighters like Paxton who will stand up to the left.”
— Bob Smith, Texas GOP activist
What’s next
Paxton has not yet officially announced a Senate campaign, but is expected to make a decision in the coming months. If he does run, it would set up a high-profile Republican primary battle against the more establishment-aligned Cornyn.
The takeaway
The embrace of the embattled Paxton by CPAC activists underscores the ongoing tug-of-war within the Republican party between its populist MAGA wing and its traditional, business-friendly establishment. This dynamic will likely play out in GOP primaries across the country as the party charts its future direction.
