CPAC Activists Embrace Paxton as MAGA's Choice for Texas Senate Over Cornyn

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton positions himself as the grassroots favorite in the runoff election to determine the Republican Senate nominee.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 2:57pm

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Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has emerged as the grassroots favorite in the Republican runoff election for the U.S. Senate seat, with CPAC activists enthusiastically embracing him as the MAGA movement's choice over incumbent Senator John Cornyn. Paxton's appeal to the party's right wing, his embrace of Trump-backed voting legislation, and his own history of political persecution have made him a darling of conservative activists, even as Cornyn holds the fundraising and establishment advantage.

Why it matters

The Texas Senate race is a key battleground in the ongoing tug-of-war between the Republican establishment and the populist MAGA wing of the party. Paxton's rise could signal a shift in the GOP's power dynamics, with grassroots activists increasingly willing to challenge traditional party leaders.

The details

At the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Grapevine, Texas, Paxton was the center of attention, with speakers and activists hailing him as the clear choice for the Republican Senate nomination. While Cornyn did not attend the event, Paxton was extolled by figures like former Trump adviser Steve Bannon, who called him 'emblematic of the grassroots of the MAGA movement.' Paxton's embrace of the SAVE Act, which would impose strict new voting requirements, has also endeared him to Trump loyalists, even as Cornyn has since said he is willing to change filibuster rules to advance the legislation.

  • The Texas primary election was held on March 3, 2026.
  • The Republican runoff election is scheduled for May 26, 2026.

The players

Ken Paxton

The current Texas Attorney General, who has positioned himself as the grassroots favorite in the Republican runoff election for the U.S. Senate seat.

John Cornyn

The incumbent U.S. Senator from Texas, who finished first in the initial primary but is facing a tough challenge from Paxton in the runoff.

Steve Bannon

A former adviser to President Trump and the host of the 'War Room' podcast, who has endorsed Paxton and called him 'emblematic of the grassroots of the MAGA movement.'

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What they’re saying

“'Ken Paxton is emblematic of the grassroots of the MAGA movement across the nation.'”

— Steve Bannon, Former Trump Adviser and 'War Room' Podcast Host

“'I want you to know, there's only one reason I got through all that, and it's by the grace of God. He absolutely delivered me, and he used to people of Texas to deliver me.'”

— Ken Paxton, Texas Attorney General

What’s next

The winner of the May 26 Republican runoff election will face the Democratic nominee, James Talarico, in the general election for the Texas Senate seat.

The takeaway

The Texas Senate race has become a proxy battle between the Republican establishment and the populist MAGA wing of the party, with grassroots activists rallying behind Ken Paxton's challenge to the more moderate incumbent John Cornyn. This dynamic reflects the ongoing tensions within the GOP and could have significant implications for the party's future direction.