Cornyn Slams Paxton for Ties to Bannon, Lack of Condemnation of Antisemitism

Texas senator criticizes his Republican primary challenger for associating with figures like Steve Bannon who have made controversial comments about Jews and Israel.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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In a wide-ranging interview, Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) accused his Republican primary challenger, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, of associating with antisemitic and anti-Israel figures within the MAGA movement, such as former Trump advisor Steve Bannon. Cornyn warned that allowing such figures to gain influence within the Republican Party would ultimately lead to its downfall. The senator praised his Texas GOP colleague Sen. Ted Cruz for being outspoken in calling out antisemitism and extremism on the right.

Why it matters

Cornyn's criticism of Paxton's ties to figures like Bannon highlights the ongoing debate within the Republican Party over how to address antisemitism and extremism from some of its supporters. As Cornyn faces a tough primary challenge, the race could serve as a referendum on the direction of the Texas GOP and whether it will continue to embrace or reject associations with fringe, antisemitic voices.

The details

Cornyn said Paxton's appearances on Bannon's podcast and associations with other figures like Nick Fuentes and Candace Owens who have made antisemitic comments should be "alarming" to Texas voters. The senator warned that allowing such figures to gain influence would "end up being the destruction of the Republican Party." Cornyn praised Sen. Ted Cruz for being outspoken in calling out antisemitism and extremism on the right, in contrast to Paxton's silence.

  • Cornyn made these comments in a wide-ranging interview on February 13, 2026, ahead of the upcoming Texas Republican primary election.

The players

John Cornyn

A U.S. Senator from Texas who has served in the Senate since 2002 and is facing a competitive primary challenge.

Ken Paxton

The Texas Attorney General who is running against Cornyn in the Republican primary election.

Steve Bannon

A former advisor to former President Donald Trump who has made controversial comments about Jews and Israel.

Ted Cruz

A U.S. Senator from Texas and Cornyn's Republican colleague who has been outspoken in calling out antisemitism and extremism on the right.

Jasmine Crockett

A Democratic candidate running for the U.S. Senate seat in Texas.

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What they’re saying

“There's this interesting, and troubling, tendency of some folks who claim the MAGA mantle to associate with antisemites like Nick Fuentes, Candace Owens and Steve Bannon. I know Ken Paxton regularly goes on Bannon's 'War Room' podcast, and it's something that should be alarming to Texas voters. People like that I don't think are what I would call conservatives.”

— John Cornyn, U.S. Senator (Jewish Insider)

“Once they 'get their foot in the door, they have a way of corrupting the whole party and the whole movement. I just think allowing somebody like Ken Paxton inside the tent will end up being the destruction of the Republican Party.”

— John Cornyn, U.S. Senator (Jewish Insider)

What’s next

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The takeaway

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