Cornyn Warns of 'Massacre' for GOP if Paxton Wins Texas Senate Primary

The four-term senator says nominating the state's attorney general would jeopardize Republican victories up and down the ballot.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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Sen. John Cornyn is warning Texas Republicans that if state Attorney General Ken Paxton wins the GOP Senate primary, it could lead to a 'massacre' for the party in the general election. Cornyn, who is facing a competitive primary against Paxton and Rep. Wesley Hunt, argues that Paxton's controversies and 'political baggage' would hurt other Republican candidates on the ballot. Paxton, meanwhile, believes he can energize core Trump supporters who have been less likely to turn out when the former president is not on the ballot.

Why it matters

The Texas Senate race is a key contest that could determine control of the upper chamber. Cornyn's warning highlights the potential risks for the GOP if they nominate a candidate with a controversial record, as it could jeopardize not just the Senate seat but also other down-ballot races in the state.

The details

Cornyn has been delivering a message to supporters that if Paxton is the nominee, it will lead to an 'Election Day massacre' for Republicans. He argues that Paxton's controversies, including his divorce and allegations of bribery that led to his impeachment in 2023, would be an 'albatross' around the neck of other GOP candidates. Paxton, however, believes he can turn out infrequent Trump voters who have been less likely to show up when the former president is not on the ballot.

  • Cornyn delivered his warning to supporters on Wednesday, February 18, 2026 in Fort Worth.
  • The Texas Republican primary is scheduled for March 3, 2026, with a potential runoff on May 26.

The players

John Cornyn

A four-term Republican senator from Texas who is facing a competitive primary against Ken Paxton and Rep. Wesley Hunt.

Ken Paxton

The Texas Attorney General who is running against Cornyn in the Republican Senate primary. Paxton has faced controversies including his divorce and allegations of bribery that led to his impeachment in 2023, though he was ultimately acquitted by the state Senate.

Wesley Hunt

A Republican Congressman from Texas who is also running in the GOP Senate primary.

Donald Trump

The former president, who has not yet endorsed a candidate in the Texas Senate primary despite pressure from Cornyn and other GOP leaders.

Mike Lopez

A 60-year-old small business owner and independent voter in Texas who says he would not support Paxton if he is the GOP nominee in November.

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What they’re saying

“If Ken Paxton is the nominee, we could well experience a massacre, and the first Democrat elected since 1994 in the state of Texas.”

— John Cornyn, U.S. Senator

“Ensuring that low-propensity America First voters are motivated to show up in November is critical to Republicans' success in 2026, and John Cornyn is the single worst person in Texas to accomplish that.”

— Ken Paxton, Texas Attorney General

“He's just a crook. That's it. I mean, he's just a basic criminal that got his hands in the cookie jar and got caught. So that's not representative of being a Republican or being conservative.”

— Mike Lopez, Independent Voter

What’s next

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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.