Trump's Iran Strike Divides Texas Senate Race as Dems Demand War Powers, GOP Applauds

Republicans praise Trump's operation while Democrats condemn airstrikes on Iran without congressional approval.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The U.S. and Israeli attack on Iran has opened up a partisan rift in Texas' high-stakes Senate race. Republican Sen. John Cornyn and his primary challengers are rallying around President Trump's decision to launch the attacks, which resulted in the killing of Iran's supreme leader. But the two Democratic candidates are condemning the airstrikes, arguing Trump did not seek congressional approval.

Why it matters

The Texas Senate race is one of a handful across the country that could determine control of the chamber in the midterm elections. The partisan divide over the Iran strikes highlights the broader foreign policy differences between the parties and could become a key issue in the campaign.

The details

Republican Sen. John Cornyn and his primary rivals, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and Rep. Wesley Hunt, have praised Trump's "decisive action" and "courageous leadership" in ordering the strikes. In contrast, Democratic candidates Rep. Jasmine Crockett and state Rep. James Talarico have condemned the operation, arguing Trump did not seek congressional approval as required. Crockett has called for Congress to immediately pass a war powers resolution.

  • The U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran began on March 1, 2026.
  • Three American military members were killed in the fighting.

The players

John Cornyn

Republican U.S. Senator from Texas who is running for re-election.

Ken Paxton

Texas Attorney General and a Republican primary challenger to Cornyn.

Wesley Hunt

Republican U.S. Representative from Texas and a primary challenger to Cornyn.

Jasmine Crockett

Democratic U.S. Representative from Texas running for the Senate.

James Talarico

Democratic state Representative in Texas running for the Senate.

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What they’re saying

“I think the President did the right thing. It's amazing to me that President Trump is the only president in my lifetime that is willing to take this kind of decisive action in order to stop the halt of terrorism and also radical Islam.”

— John Cornyn, U.S. Senator (Fox News Digital)

“President Trump's Operation Epic Fury is yet another overwhelming and historic military success. Khamenei's been killed and the terroristic regime threatening our troops and nation has been decimated.”

— Ken Paxton, Texas Attorney General (Social Media)

“CONGRESS, not the PRESIDENT, but CONGRESS has the EXCLUSIVE authority to declare war! Speaker Johnson needs to call us in IMMEDIATELY & it is time for the House & the Senate to pass a war powers resolution!”

— Jasmine Crockett, U.S. Representative (Social Media)

What’s next

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The takeaway

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