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 6:48pm

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Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has emerged as the favored candidate among conservative activists at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in the runoff election for the Republican U.S. Senate nomination in Texas. Paxton, who was previously impeached but acquitted on corruption charges, has positioned himself as the grassroots choice over the more establishment-backed incumbent Senator John Cornyn.

Why it matters

The Texas Senate race is a key battleground in the broader fight for control of the U.S. Senate, with the Republican primary runoff seen as a proxy battle between the party's populist MAGA wing and its traditional establishment. Paxton's embrace by CPAC activists highlights the continued influence of Trump-aligned forces within the GOP, even as Cornyn has the backing of the party leadership in Washington.

The details

At CPAC, Paxton was extolled by speakers like former Trump adviser Steve Bannon as "emblematic of the grassroots of the MAGA movement." While Cornyn did not attend the event, Paxton was cheered by the crowd when a CPAC organizer polled attendees. Paxton has appealed to Trump supporters by embracing legislation known as the SAVE Act, which would impose strict new proof-of-citizenship requirements for voting - a priority for the former president. Some conservatives also hold grudges against Cornyn for his past criticism of Trump's border wall proposal, his support for gun control, and his dismissive remarks about Trump's 2024 comeback campaign.

  • The Texas Republican primary runoff election is scheduled for May 26, 2026.
  • Paxton was previously impeached by the Texas Legislature in 2022 but was later acquitted.

The players

Ken Paxton

The current Texas Attorney General who is running in the Republican primary runoff for the U.S. Senate seat.

John Cornyn

The incumbent U.S. Senator from Texas who is running for re-election and is backed by the Republican establishment.

Steve Bannon

A former adviser to President Trump who hosts the "War Room" podcast and has endorsed Paxton's campaign.

Mercedes Schlapp

A CPAC senior fellow who polled the crowd at the event, eliciting strong support for Paxton and boos for Cornyn.

James Talarico

The Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate seat in Texas.

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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

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

— Joe Ropar, 72-year-old Defense Contractor

“In Paxton's career, he's been faithful to what he's said he's going to do.”

— James Schaare, 61-year-old Church Music Leader from Euless, Texas

“But I'm not sure about the runoff. It might be time for something new.”

— Valerie Burge, Retired Music Teacher

What’s next

The Texas Republican primary runoff election will be held on May 26, 2026, where voters will determine the party's nominee for the U.S. Senate seat.

The takeaway

The Texas Senate race has become a proxy battle between the Republican establishment and the party's populist MAGA wing, with Ken Paxton positioning himself as the grassroots favorite over the more traditional John Cornyn. This dynamic reflects the continued influence of Trump-aligned forces within the GOP, even as the party leadership in Washington seeks to maintain control.