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Grapevine Today
By the People, for the People
Texas GOP Senate Rivals Courting Conservative Base at CPAC
Only one of the two candidates will attend the high-profile conservative conference
Mar. 14, 2026 at 1:33am
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Both longtime Republican Texas Sen. John Cornyn and his GOP primary opponent Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton have been invited to the upcoming Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), although only Paxton will attend. Cornyn cited the fact that the Senate will be in session and voting during the week of the conference as the reason for his absence. The CPAC event may serve as a prime opportunity for Paxton, who is running to the right of the 24-year incumbent Cornyn, to make his case to the party faithful as former President Donald Trump has yet to endorse either candidate.
Why it matters
The Texas Senate race between Cornyn and Paxton is a closely watched GOP primary battle, with the winner facing off against Democratic nominee James Talarico in the general election. CPAC provides a high-profile platform for conservative candidates to rally the base, and Paxton's attendance while Cornyn is absent could give him a chance to gain ground on the longtime senator.
The details
Cornyn narrowly finished in first place in the March 3 primary, but neither he nor Paxton received a majority of the vote, forcing a May 26 runoff election. Paxton has been listed as a confirmed CPAC speaker since March 6, while Cornyn's spokesperson said the senator will not attend due to the Senate being in session that week. Trump has said he will endorse either Cornyn or Paxton 'soon,' but has not done so more than a week after his initial announcement.
- The CPAC conference is scheduled for March 25-28, 2026 in Grapevine, Texas.
- The Texas Senate primary runoff election between Cornyn and Paxton is set for May 26, 2026.
The players
John Cornyn
Longtime Republican Texas Senator who is facing a primary challenge from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.
Ken Paxton
Texas Attorney General who is running to the right of incumbent Senator John Cornyn in the Republican primary for the Texas Senate seat.
James Talarico
The Democratic nominee for the Texas Senate seat.
Donald Trump
Former President who has said he will endorse either Cornyn or Paxton 'soon' in the Republican primary.
What they’re saying
“With Sen. John Cornyn (85% CPAC Lifetime, 53% '24) and AG Ken Paxton (100% Lifetime) locked in a fierce Texas Senate runoff, we've invited both to address conservatives at CPAC in Texas.”
— CPAC
“I will be asking the candidate that I don't Endorse to immediately DROP OUT OF THE RACE!”
— Donald Trump
“I would consider dropping out of this race if Senate Leadership agrees to lift the filibuster and passes the SAVE America Act.”
— Ken Paxton, Texas Attorney General
What’s next
Trump is expected to endorse either Cornyn or Paxton in the coming days, which could significantly impact the Texas Senate primary runoff scheduled for May 26, 2026.
The takeaway
The CPAC conference in Texas provides a high-profile platform for Paxton to rally the conservative base against the more moderate Cornyn, as the two Republicans battle for the party's nomination in a closely watched Senate race that could have national implications.
