Cornyn Warns Paxton Would Be 'Kiss of Death' for GOP in Texas Senate Race

Texas Republican primary battle intensifies as Cornyn fights to keep his Senate seat against Paxton and Hunt

Feb. 26, 2026 at 10:39am

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Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, warned that if Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton wins the Republican nomination for the Texas Senate seat, it could cost the GOP the seat and have a negative trickle-down effect on down-ballot races. Cornyn is locked in a tight three-way primary battle with Paxton and Rep. Wesley Hunt, R-Texas, as early voting has begun in Texas.

Why it matters

The Texas Senate race is crucial for Republicans as they aim to maintain their trifecta control in Washington, D.C. and advance President Donald Trump's agenda. Cornyn believes a Paxton nomination could jeopardize the GOP's hold on the seat, which has been in Republican hands for nearly 30 years.

The details

Cornyn warned that a Paxton nomination would be the "kiss of death" for Republicans in November, as the attorney general could struggle to win the general election. Paxton's campaign fired back, accusing Cornyn of being the "worst possible choice" to turn out Trump-supporting "America First" voters. With the primary just two weeks away, Cornyn is making a last-ditch effort to shore up support and prevent a Paxton victory that could have broader implications for the GOP in Texas.

  • Early voting in the Texas primary began earlier this week.
  • The primary election is scheduled for March 3, 2026.

The players

Sen. John Cornyn

The incumbent Republican U.S. Senator from Texas who is fighting to keep his seat in a contentious primary battle.

Ken Paxton

The current Texas Attorney General who is challenging Cornyn for the Republican nomination for the U.S. Senate.

Rep. Wesley Hunt

A Republican U.S. Representative from Texas who is also running against Cornyn and Paxton in the GOP primary for the Senate seat.

Jasmine Crockett

A Democratic U.S. Representative from Texas who is eyeing the Senate seat if the Republican primary results in a weaker nominee.

James Talarico

A Democratic member of the Texas state legislature who is also interested in the Senate seat if the Republican nominee is vulnerable.

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What they’re saying

“Ken Paxton will be the kiss of death for Republicans on the ticket in November of 2026.”

— Sen. John Cornyn

“There's a reason that he's stuck in the mid-20s even after $70+ million's been lit on fire to help him instead of going to races in NC, MI, ME and GA. Texas voters don't like him, don't trust him, and won't show up to vote for him in November.”

— Nick Maddux, Advisor for Ken Paxton

What’s next

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The takeaway

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