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Cornyn and Paxton Clash in Bitter Texas Senate Primary as Cruz Remains Neutral

Texas Republican Senate Primary·February 18 – March 29, 2026

20 days ago

Cornyn and Paxton Clash in Bitter Texas Senate Primary as Cruz Remains Neutral

Senator John Cornyn warned that a primary victory for Attorney General Ken Paxton would lead to a Republican massacre in the general election. Cornyn described a potential Paxton win as the kiss of death for the party in Texas. Meanwhile, Paxton gained momentum with a strong showing at CPAC. A straw poll there showed him leading the incumbent by a wide margin. Senator Ted Cruz has refused to take sides in the contest. However, Cruz warned that the bloody primary fight could hurt Republican chances in November. Cornyn is currently seeking support from Congressman Wesley Hunt and former President Donald Trump to counter the surge from Paxton.
Ken Paxton surges at CPAC as Texas Senate runoff loomsCruz refuses to take sides between Cornyn, Paxton in high-stakes GOP Senate clashJohn Cornyn warns of a GOP 'massacre' in Texas if Ken Paxton beats him in their Senate primary

Key Statements

FFox News

Sen. John Cornyn warns that Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton winning the 2026 Republican Senate primary would risk the seat to Democrats as early voting begins.

Shows the incumbent's direct warning about the general election risk.

WWashington Examiner

Senator Ted Cruz warns that the primary battle between John Cornyn and Ken Paxton may weaken the Republican position in the Texas Senate general election.

Provides perspective from the state's other Republican Senator on the primary's impact.

News

Ken Paxton surges at CPAC as Texas Senate runoff looms

washingtonexaminer.com logoWashington ExaminerCenter Right

Sen. Cornyn looks to rally support from Houston lawmaker, his supports in race against AG Paxton

cbsnews.com logoCBS NewsCenter Left

Cornyn is looking to Congressman Hunt and President Trump for support against Paxton

cbsnews.com logoCBS NewsCenter Left

Cruz refuses to take sides between Cornyn, Paxton in high-stakes GOP Senate clash

foxnews.com logoFox NewsRight

Cruz warns on Texas Senate general after Cornyn-Paxton fight

washingtonexaminer.com logoWashington ExaminerCenter Right

MAGA's eruption has so far kept Trump from endorsing in key Senate race - The Boston Globe

bostonglobe.com logoThe Boston GlobeCenter Left

Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.