CPAC activists embrace Paxton as MAGA's choice for Senate over Cornyn

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton emerges as the favorite among right-wing activists at the Conservative Political Action Conference

Mar. 28, 2026 at 10:54pm

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Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton was the unofficial guest of honor at the Conservative Political Action Conference, where hundreds of right-wing activists from around the country hailed him as Republicans' clear choice for U.S. Senate over incumbent Senator John Cornyn. Paxton met with supporters, gave a keynote address, and held court during a private reception, with audiences cheering for him and booing any mention of Cornyn. Paxton's support from the party's fervent grassroots base could lead him to victory in the May 26 runoff, despite Cornyn's fundraising advantage and backing from the party establishment.

Why it matters

This race for the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate in Texas will be one of the most closely watched in the country, as Republicans try to retain their grip on Congress. The outcome could have significant implications for the direction of the Republican Party, with Paxton representing a more hardline, Trump-aligned faction and Cornyn being seen as part of the party establishment.

The details

Paxton was the overwhelming favorite in CPAC's straw poll, beating Cornyn by more than three to one, and he won the organization's endorsement. Paxton has appealed to Trump supporters by embracing legislation known as the SAVE Act, which would mean new, strict proof-of-citizenship requirements for voting. Cornyn initially opposed this legislation but later reversed his position, which Paxton criticized as a 'coward' move. Cornyn's campaign has accused Paxton of lying, but Paxton's supporters see his maneuvering as 'brilliant'.

  • The May 26 runoff will determine the Republican nominee for U.S. Senate.
  • Paxton was impeached, but acquitted, for corruption charges by the Texas Legislature three years ago.

The players

Ken Paxton

The Texas Attorney General and Republican candidate for U.S. Senate, who has emerged as the favorite among right-wing activists at CPAC.

John Cornyn

The incumbent U.S. Senator from Texas and Paxton's opponent in the Republican primary runoff, who is backed by the party establishment but has faced criticism from some conservatives.

James Talarico

The Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate in Texas, who will face the winner of the Republican primary runoff.

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What they’re saying

“The real benefit of Paxton is that he is more an ally of Trump. There's got to be a change for newer conservatives.”

— Luke Brown, 21-year-old college student from Amarillo, Texas

“Ken Paxton has lied to his staff, to taxpayers, to his colleagues and to his own family, so it should be not a surprise he's lying here too.”

— Matt Mackowiak, Senior adviser to Cornyn's campaign

“Cornyn's trying to change his stripes now. It's too little too late.”

— Joe Ropar, 72-year-old defense contractor

What’s next

The winner of the May 26 Republican primary runoff between Paxton and Cornyn will face Democrat James Talarico in the general election, which will be one of the most closely watched Senate races as Republicans try to retain control of Congress.

The takeaway

This race highlights the ongoing tensions within the Republican Party, with Paxton representing the more hardline, Trump-aligned faction and Cornyn being seen as part of the establishment. The outcome could have significant implications for the direction of the GOP and its relationship with the MAGA movement.