Texas AG Ken Paxton steps up Senate bid against Cornyn

Paxton kicks off campaign rallies as early voting begins, despite attacks from Cornyn and GOP leaders

Feb. 17, 2026 at 11:23am

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Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is ramping up his campaign for the U.S. Senate, scheduling a series of rallies across the state as early voting begins. Paxton is challenging four-term Republican Sen. John Cornyn in the GOP primary, in a race that has become one of the most contentious Republican primaries this year. Despite facing attacks from Cornyn and GOP leaders who view Paxton as a weaker general election candidate, Paxton is betting that his conservative credentials and defiance of party leadership will help him overcome ethical and personal questions.

Why it matters

The Texas Senate race is a key battleground in the 2024 election, with Democrats hoping to flip the seat. Paxton's bid to unseat the more moderate Cornyn has set up a proxy battle within the Republican party between establishment figures and MAGA-aligned conservatives. The outcome could have significant implications for the balance of power in the Senate.

The details

Paxton is scheduled to hold his first major campaign rally on Monday, kicking off a four-day series of events across Texas. Until now, Paxton has run a relatively low-profile campaign, spending little money and drawing attention primarily through his work as state attorney general, where he has pursued conservative causes. But with early voting starting on Tuesday, Paxton is ramping up his efforts, including airing ads that tie him to former President Trump. Paxton is betting that his conservative credentials and willingness to defy party leadership will help him overcome ethical questions, including an impeachment trial in 2023 and allegations of marital infidelity.

  • Paxton is scheduled to hold his first major campaign rally on Monday, February 27, 2026.
  • Early voting in the Texas primary election begins on Tuesday, February 28, 2026.

The players

Ken Paxton

The three-term Texas Attorney General who is challenging Sen. John Cornyn in the Republican primary for the U.S. Senate.

John Cornyn

The four-term Republican U.S. Senator from Texas who is facing a primary challenge from Paxton.

Wesley Hunt

A two-term Republican U.S. Representative from the Houston area who is also running in the GOP primary for the Senate seat.

Greg Abbott

The Republican Governor of Texas who is seeking re-election.

Dan Patrick

The Republican Lieutenant Governor of Texas who is also seeking re-election.

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What they’re saying

“I wish they'd stop sending money from Washington, D.C. They are sending the money from D.C., and they're helping John Cornyn. And it's going to be ... a lot of money spent, and he's going to end up losing.”

— Ken Paxton, Texas Attorney General

“I think Ken Paxton is a fighter. Paxton sued then-President Joe Biden more than any other U.S. attorney general.”

— Troy Nehls, U.S. Representative from Texas

What’s next

The judge in Paxton's impeachment trial will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow him out on bail.

The takeaway

This race highlights the ongoing tensions within the Republican party, as establishment figures like Cornyn face challenges from more conservative, Trump-aligned candidates like Paxton. The outcome could have significant implications for the balance of power in the Senate.