Republicans Pour Millions Into Effort to Save Cornyn in Texas Senate Race

Wealthy donors back incumbent senator as he faces tough primary challenge from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton

Feb. 4, 2026 at 4:39am

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Senator John Cornyn of Texas is facing a tough Republican primary challenge from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, and Republican leaders in Washington are pouring tens of millions of dollars into an effort to save Cornyn's seat. Cornyn's allies have spent about $50 million on advertising since last July, while Paxton's super PAC has spent less than 1% of that amount. The race has become one of the most bitter and expensive Republican primaries in the nation, with establishment Republicans worried that Paxton's right-wing politics and history of legal and ethical troubles could give Democrats an opening in the red state.

Why it matters

The battle for the Republican nomination in the Texas Senate race is a high-stakes fight that could have major implications for the balance of power in the U.S. Senate. Cornyn, once seen as a potential Republican leader, is now fighting for his political life against a hard-line challenger backed by the party's conservative base. The outcome could determine whether Republicans maintain control of a crucial Senate seat in a key battleground state.

The details

Cornyn's allies have spent about $50 million on advertising since last July in an effort to boost his standing and fend off Paxton's challenge. Paxton, meanwhile, has done barely any advertising, confident in his support from the Republican base. The race has also drawn in a third Republican candidate, Representative Wesley Hunt of Houston, complicating the path to victory for both Cornyn and Paxton. Establishment Republicans are worried that Paxton's right-wing politics and history of legal and ethical troubles could give Democrats an opening in the general election, and they are making an all-out push to stop him from winning the nomination.

  • The March 3 primary is expected to winnow the field to a two-candidate runoff in late May.
  • Early voting in the primary starts on February 17.

The players

John Cornyn

The incumbent Republican senator from Texas who is facing a tough primary challenge.

Ken Paxton

The Texas Attorney General and Cornyn's top challenger in the Republican primary, known for his right-wing politics and history of legal and ethical troubles.

Wesley Hunt

A Republican congressman from Houston who has also entered the Senate race, complicating the path to victory for both Cornyn and Paxton.

Senate Leadership Fund

The main super PAC working to elect Senate Republicans, which has been raising alarm bells about Cornyn's vulnerability and pouring money into the race.

Lone Star Rising PAC

A super PAC supporting Democratic candidate James Talarico in the Senate race.

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What they’re saying

“We were the first to raise the alarm bells that this race was going to be a problem if Ken Paxton is the nominee.”

— Alex Latcham, Executive director of the Senate Leadership Fund

“Representative Crockett is a brilliant, brave leader and the type of proven fighter that is needed in these times. I'm proud to have been a supporter of hers since 2021, and I'm continually thinking about how to help her.”

— Karla Jurvetson

What’s next

The March 3 primary is expected to winnow the field to a two-candidate runoff in late May, and the outcome of that runoff could determine the balance of power in the U.S. Senate.

The takeaway

The battle for the Republican nomination in the Texas Senate race highlights the deep divisions within the GOP, with establishment Republicans fighting to hold onto a crucial seat against a challenge from the party's conservative base. The outcome could have major implications for the political landscape in Texas and the nation.