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

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton rallies right-wing supporters at conservative conference, challenging incumbent Senator John Cornyn for the Republican nomination.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 7:18pm

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At the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Grapevine, Texas, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton emerged as the favored Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate seat over incumbent Senator John Cornyn. Paxton, who was previously impeached but acquitted on corruption charges, appealed to the party's right-wing base by embracing strict voting legislation and portraying himself as a victim of political persecution, similar to former President Donald Trump. While Cornyn finished first in the primary, Paxton's strong support from CPAC activists and his connection to the MAGA movement could give him an edge in the upcoming runoff election.

Why it matters

The battle for the Republican nomination in the Texas Senate race is a key test of the party's direction, with Paxton representing the more populist, Trump-aligned faction and Cornyn embodying the traditional establishment wing. The outcome could have significant implications for the GOP's future in the state and nationally.

The details

At CPAC, Paxton was the keynote speaker at the Ronald Reagan dinner and received enthusiastic support from the crowd, with CPAC senior fellow Mercedes Schlapp polling the audience and receiving a roar of cheers for Paxton and boos for Cornyn. Paxton appealed to Trump supporters by embracing the SAVE Act, which would impose strict proof-of-citizenship requirements for voting, a priority for the former president. Cornyn, on the other hand, has faced criticism from some conservatives for his early opposition to Trump's border wall proposal, his co-sponsorship of gun control legislation, and his dismissive remarks about Trump's comeback campaign in 2024.

  • 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 is challenging incumbent Senator John Cornyn for the Republican nomination in the Texas Senate race. Paxton was previously impeached but acquitted on corruption charges and is appealing to the party's right-wing base by embracing strict voting legislation and portraying himself as a victim of political persecution.

John Cornyn

The incumbent U.S. Senator from Texas, who finished first in the primary election but is facing a runoff against Ken Paxton. Cornyn is backed by the Republican establishment in Washington but has faced criticism from some conservatives for his past positions on issues like the border wall and gun control.

Donald Trump

The former U.S. President, who has not yet endorsed either Paxton or Cornyn in the Texas Senate race, but whose support could be crucial for the Republican nominee.

Steve Bannon

A former Trump adviser and host of the 'War Room' podcast, who praised Paxton as 'emblematic of the grassroots of the MAGA movement across the nation' at CPAC.

Mercedes Schlapp

A CPAC senior fellow who polled the crowd at the conference, receiving a roar of cheers for Paxton and boos for Cornyn.

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What they’re saying

“'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

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

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

“'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, 58-year-old Retired Music Teacher

What’s next

The Republican runoff election between Ken Paxton and John Cornyn is scheduled for May 26, 2026. The winner of that election will face the Democratic nominee, James Talarico, in the general election.

The takeaway

The battle for the Republican nomination in the Texas Senate race is a proxy war for the future direction of the GOP, with Paxton representing the populist, Trump-aligned faction and Cornyn embodying the traditional establishment wing. The outcome could have significant implications for the party's influence in the state and nationally.