Paxton Gains Ground in Texas Senate Primary Amid 'Ugly' Divorce Attack Ads

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has seen a boost in polls as his daughter defends him against attacks from opponents.

Feb. 27, 2026 at 3:09pm

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Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has received a boost in the polls as his daughter described attacks on her father as "ugly." Paxton is facing Senator John Cornyn and Representative Wesley Hunt for the Republican nomination in the Texas Senate midterm elections. Paxton has faced attacks from his opponents, including an ad from Cornyn and the National Republican Senatorial Committee's joint fundraising committee that called Paxton "crooked" and accused him of cheating on his wife, Angela Paxton, who announced she was divorcing him in July.

Why it matters

Whoever receives the Republican nomination will be responsible for leading the party to electoral success in the state and protecting the GOP's slim majority in the Senate. Republicans have not lost a statewide race in Texas in more than three decades, and traditionally, the party that does not hold the White House tends to do better in midterm elections.

The details

Recent polls have suggested Paxton is in the lead in the race. According to a poll by Chism Strategies, in a runoff scenario between Paxton and Cornyn, 49 percent would vote for Paxton and 36 percent for Cornyn. The poll of 529 likely Republican primary voters was conducted between February 23 and 24 and had a margin of error of +/- 5.26 percentage points. This lead is an increase on previous polling, with Paxton leading Cornyn by 4.6 percentage points according to polling averages compiled by RealClear Polling.

  • Early voting for the Senate primary election began on February 17 and runs through February 27.
  • The Democratic and Republican primaries in Texas are scheduled for March 3, with runoff elections set for May 26, if no candidate secures a majority.

The players

Ken Paxton

The current Texas Attorney General who is running for the Republican nomination in the Texas Senate midterm elections.

John Cornyn

A current U.S. Senator from Texas who is running against Paxton for the Republican nomination.

Wesley Hunt

A U.S. Representative from Texas who is also running for the Republican nomination.

Angela Paxton

The wife of Ken Paxton who announced she was divorcing him in July.

Mattie Hayworth

The daughter of Ken Paxton who defended her father against "ugly" attacks in a column.

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What they’re saying

“My dad is not perfect; none of us are. But he is a man of deep faith, genuine love for his family, and an unrelenting commitment to doing right by the people of Texas.”

— Mattie Hayworth

“BREAKING: I'm honored to be endorsed by Turning Point Action. The movement that Charlie Kirk built has inspired millions, and I'm proud to be standing alongside Turning Point Action in carrying on the fight to save this country and defend our freedoms.”

— Ken Paxton, Texas Attorney General

“Let me be very clear: I am the strongest general election candidate in this race. From either party. Period. The dirty little secret the Cornyn protection racket won't tell you? I beat every Democrat on the ballot. By MORE. Every. Single. Time. I outperform Cornyn. I outperform Paxton. That's why they're scared. That's why the swamp is nervous. That's why they're attacking. Because I'm the Democrats' worst nightmare. If I'm the nominee, this seat stays RED. If I'm the nominee, Texas wins.”

— Wesley Hunt, Texas Republican Representative

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.