John Cornyn and Ken Paxton Head to Runoff in Texas GOP Senate Primary

Texas Primary Results Trigger High-Stakes Runoff Between Cornyn and Paxton·March 2 – March 31, 2026

1 month ago

John Cornyn and Ken Paxton Head to Runoff in Texas GOP Senate Primary

Senator John Cornyn and Attorney General Ken Paxton will face each other in a runoff for the Texas Republican Senate primary. Neither candidate won more than half of the votes. This race is a major fight between party leaders and the MAGA wing Texas GOP Battle Between Cornyn And Paxton Will Head To Runoff. Paxton's strong showing is a major challenge for the long-serving senator MAGA's top lawyer just gave a sitting GOP senator the biggest scare of his career. The runoff is described as a costly and difficult battle John Cornyn to face Ken Paxton in costly Texas Senate runoff. Some Republican leaders worry this fight could hurt the party in the next election Texas Senate Primary Is Heated and Republicans Are Worried. Voters will return to the polls to pick the winner.

Texas GOP Battle Between Cornyn And Paxton Will Head To RunoffMAGA's top lawyer just gave a sitting GOP senator the biggest scare of his careerJohn Cornyn to face Ken Paxton in costly Texas Senate runoff

Key Statements

CCBS News

“Incumbent Senator John Cornyn and Attorney General Ken Paxton advance to a May 26th Republican primary runoff for a Texas U.S. Senate seat after finishing with 42% and 41% of the vote.”

This confirms the specific vote percentages and the official date for the next round of voting.

CCNN

“Texas AG Ken Paxton offers to withdraw from the race if the Senate passes a specific voting restrictions bill.”

This highlights the legislative ultimatum Paxton is using to influence Senate policy.

News

Paxton Leads Cornyn in Texas Runoff Poll

Washington ExaminerCenter Right

Poll shows Paxton beating Cornyn in Texas if Trump doesn't endorse

news_articleCenter

Watch Texas Senate Runoff Tees Up Bitter Republican Showdown

Bloomberg BusinessCenter Left

Trump leaned toward endorsing Cornyn. Then the leaks started -- and Paxton made a 'genius move' | CNN Politics

CNNCenter Left

Ken Paxton's chances of beating John Cornyn in runoff election: Poll

NewsweekCenter

Paxton vs Cornyn Texas Senate chances with Trump endorsement: New poll

NewsweekCenter

Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.