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Texas AG Ken Paxton steps up Senate bid against GOP Sen. Cornyn
Paxton's campaign rallies and ads aim to unseat the four-term Republican senator
Feb. 17, 2026 at 8:55pm
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Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is ramping up his campaign to unseat four-term Republican Sen. John Cornyn, setting up one of the most contentious GOP primaries this year. Paxton, who has the look of the party's front-runner despite facing ethical and personal questions, is betting that his defiance of his own party's leaders and aggressive litigation for conservative priorities will help him overcome concerns that voters have forgiven until now.
Why it matters
Paxton's bid to unseat the incumbent Cornyn has set up a high-stakes Republican primary in Texas, with national GOP leaders concerned that Paxton as the nominee would require significantly more resources to defend in the general election than the more establishment-friendly Cornyn.
The details
Paxton is scheduled to hold his first major campaign rally on Monday night, part of a stepped-up effort that includes a new TV ad featuring praise from former President Donald Trump. Until now, Paxton has run a lower-profile campaign, spending relatively little money. But with early voting starting Tuesday for the March 3 primary, Paxton is making stops across Texas this week. Paxton is betting that his defiance of GOP leaders and aggressive litigation for conservative causes will help him overcome ethical and personal questions, including being impeached on fraud charges in 2023 and allegations of marital infidelity made by his wife.
- Paxton is scheduled to hold his first major campaign rally on Monday night.
- Early voting in Texas begins on Tuesday, February 18, 2026.
The players
Ken Paxton
The three-term Texas Attorney General who is challenging incumbent Republican Sen. John Cornyn in the GOP primary.
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 Senate primary against Cornyn and Paxton.
Donald Trump
The former U.S. President who has praised Paxton in a new campaign ad, though he has not officially endorsed any candidate in the race.
Angela Paxton
The state senator who is Ken Paxton's wife and has made allegations of marital infidelity against him.
What’s next
The judge in Paxton's impeachment case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow him out on bail.
The takeaway
Paxton's aggressive campaign against the GOP establishment, including his own party's Senate leaders, highlights the ongoing tensions within the Republican Party as it navigates the post-Trump era. His bid to unseat the more moderate Cornyn could have significant implications for the party's direction in Texas and nationally.
