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Grapevine Today
By the People, for the People
CPAC activists embrace Paxton as MAGA's choice for Texas Senate over Cornyn
Paxton's impeachment battle and embrace of Trump's agenda win over grassroots conservatives
Mar. 28, 2026 at 9:05pm
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At the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Texas, Attorney General Ken Paxton emerged as the favored Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate, drawing enthusiastic support from the party's right-wing base over incumbent Senator John Cornyn. Paxton's ability to survive a previous impeachment and his alignment with former President Trump's agenda have made him the grassroots favorite, despite Cornyn's establishment backing and fundraising advantage.
Why it matters
The Texas Senate race is shaping up to be a key battleground as Republicans aim to retain control of Congress. Paxton's potential nomination would signal the continued influence of the MAGA wing within the GOP, potentially shifting the party further to the right on issues like voting rights and gun control.
The details
At CPAC, Paxton met with supporters, gave a keynote address, and held a private reception where he was cheered and Cornyn was booed. Paxton has appealed to Trump supporters by embracing the former president's priorities, such as the SAVE Act which would impose new voting restrictions. Cornyn, the more establishment Republican, has faced criticism from conservatives for his past positions on issues like the border wall and gun control.
- Paxton and Cornyn finished first and second in the March 3 primary, but neither won enough votes to clinch the nomination outright.
- The Texas Senate runoff election is scheduled for May 26.
The players
Ken Paxton
The Texas Attorney General who was previously impeached but acquitted on corruption charges, and is now the favored candidate of the Republican party's right-wing base for the U.S. Senate.
John Cornyn
The incumbent U.S. Senator from Texas, who is backed by the Republican establishment in Washington but has faced criticism from conservatives for his past positions on issues like the border wall and gun control.
James Talarico
A Democratic state lawmaker who will face the Republican nominee in the general election for the U.S. Senate seat.
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
“'Cornyn's trying to change his stripes now. It's too little too late.'”
— Joe Ropar, 72-year-old defense contractor
“'Ken Paxton is emblematic of the grassroots of the MAGA movement across the nation.'”
— Steve Bannon, Former Trump adviser and host of 'War Room' podcast
What’s next
The Texas Senate runoff election between Paxton and Cornyn is scheduled for May 26. The winner 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
The Texas Senate race highlights the ongoing power struggle within the Republican Party between the establishment wing represented by Cornyn and the populist, Trump-aligned faction represented by Paxton. The outcome could signal the direction of the GOP heading into the 2024 presidential election.
