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In a bold political move, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced on Fox News’ The Ingraham Angle that he will run for the U.S. Senate in 2026. His announcement sets the stage for a heated Republican primary against Sen. John Cornyn, who is seeking his fifth term.
“This is about fighting for Texas values,” Paxton said, taking direct aim at Cornyn’s record and positioning himself as a fierce Trump ally.
Paxton’s Legal Baggage Now Behind Him
Paxton’s decision comes just weeks after the federal corruption case that had dogged his career for years was officially dropped. With that cloud lifted, he appears ready to take his political ambitions to the next level.
Paxton, a three-term attorney general and a familiar face in the MAGA movement, has long been critical of Cornyn. He’s previously labeled him a “RINO” and claimed the senator no longer represents the conservative base of Texas.
Cornyn Fires Back
Cornyn’s campaign wasted no time responding to the challenge.
“Ken Paxton is a fraud,” a post from Cornyn’s team read, accusing Paxton of hypocrisy, legal misconduct, and personal scandals.
The campaign also defended Cornyn’s record, noting he voted with Trump more than 95% of the time during the former president’s first term and remains a “battle-tested conservative.”
Cornyn recently launched his re-election campaign with endorsements from top Republicans, including Senate Majority Leader John Thune and NRSC chair Sen. Tim Scott, who reportedly asked Trump to support Cornyn.
An Expensive, High-Stakes Primary Ahead
Political strategists say the 2026 Texas Senate GOP primary could be the most expensive and brutal in the state's history.
“It’ll be nasty, personal, and aggressive,” said GOP consultant Matt Mackowiak. “Both sides will raise massive funds, and they genuinely dislike each other.”
Veteran GOP adviser Dave Carney added that Paxton’s candidacy could create a domino effect, opening up the attorney general’s seat and triggering a series of down-ballot shakeups.
Will Trump Endorse?
The big wildcard remains Donald Trump. While Paxton is a known loyalist—he filed the 2020 lawsuit to overturn Biden’s win and spoke at the January 6th rally—Trump has not yet endorsed a candidate in this race.
Another rising MAGA figure, Rep. Wesley Hunt, is also rumored to be considering a run. He’s backed by a super PAC already spending heavily to boost his name recognition statewide.
Paxton’s Controversial Past
Though popular with grassroots conservatives, Paxton has faced numerous legal hurdles:
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Indicted for securities fraud in 2015
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Investigated by the FBI for bribery (no charges filed)
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Impeached by the Texas House in 2023 (later acquitted by the Senate)
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Accused of using fake Uber accounts to cover up personal affairs
Despite this, he has consistently denied any wrongdoing and retained strong support among the MAGA base.
What’s Next for Texas?
The 2026 Republican primary could become a defining moment for the GOP, pitting establishment conservatives like Cornyn against Trump-aligned populists like Paxton.
With Democrats still determining their candidate—former Rep. Colin Allred is considering another Senate bid—the GOP primary winner will likely be favored in the general election.
Conclusion
This race isn’t just about two Republicans. It’s about the future of the Republican Party in Texas—and perhaps the country. Will Trump throw his weight behind Paxton? Or will he stick with Cornyn’s decades of Senate experience?
One thing’s for sure: Texas is in for a wild political ride.
