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Texas GOP Senate Primary Heads to Runoff Between Cornyn and Paxton
Longtime incumbent Sen. John Cornyn and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton will face off again in a high-stakes battle for the Republican nomination.
Published on Mar. 4, 2026
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The race for the Republican Senate nomination in Texas is heading to a runoff election, with longtime incumbent Sen. John Cornyn and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton set to continue their bitter duel. Neither candidate cleared the 50% threshold in Tuesday's primary, meaning the race will drag on until May 26. Cornyn argues he is the only candidate who can win a general election, while Paxton presents himself as the true MAGA candidate aligned with former President Trump.
Why it matters
This race has become one of the most expensive primary contests in history, with Cornyn spending around $100 million compared to Paxton's $5 million. The outcome could have significant implications for the broader Senate battleground map, as the winner will likely face off against rising Democratic star state Rep. James Talarico in the general election.
The details
Cornyn has the backing of the National Republican Senatorial Committee and a massive war chest, while Paxton is confident he can unseat the senator with the support of prominent Republican donors and the MAGA base. The most consequential variable may be whether former President Trump decides to endorse a candidate, which could effectively put the race to bed.
- The runoff election will be held on May 26, 2026.
The players
John Cornyn
The longtime incumbent Republican senator from Texas who is seeking reelection.
Ken Paxton
The Texas Attorney General who is challenging Cornyn for the Republican Senate nomination.
James Talarico
The rising Democratic state representative who toppled progressive firebrand Rep. Jasmine Crockett in the Democratic primary and is expected to face the winner of the Republican runoff in the general election.
What they’re saying
“Just like the primary, we have a plan to win the runoff, and we are in the process of executing it. Judgment day is coming for Ken Paxton.”
— John Cornyn, Senator
“Right now, I feel that same momentum, the same sense that history is turning. Now let's talk about what just happened. John Cornyn spent around $100 million trying to buy this seat. We've spent around $5 million. But we proved something they'll never understand in Washington — Texas is not for sale.”
— Ken Paxton, Texas Attorney General
What’s next
The runoff election between Cornyn and Paxton will be held on May 26, 2026, with the winner likely facing off against Democratic state Rep. James Talarico in the general election.
The takeaway
This race has become a proxy battle between the establishment Republican leadership, represented by Cornyn, and the MAGA wing of the party, represented by Paxton. The outcome could have significant implications for the broader Senate battleground map and the direction of the Republican Party in Texas.
