Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has now officially announced his campaign to challenge Senator John Cornyn in the 2026 elections, citing a need for change in Texas Republican leadership.
Speaking on Fox News’ The Ingraham Angle, Paxton criticized Cornyn for his frequent opposition to President Donald Trump’s policies, stating that it’s time for a senator who genuinely upholds Republican values and supports Trump more vigorously.
Paxton expressed skepticism about Cornyn’s contributions to Texas, highlighting issues such as gun control measures and a lack of commitment to funding the border wall, claiming that Cornyn has repeatedly turned away from the America First agenda.
“There’s certainly many things to focus on that he has not done,” Paxton stated, emphasizing the need for accountability.
In his campaign announcement, Paxton vowed to “take a sledgehammer to the D.C. establishment” and expressed frustration over Cornyn’s two-decade tenure in Washington.
He criticized Cornyn for supporting gun control legislation and U.S. aid to Ukraine, suggesting that Cornyn prioritizes foreign funding over Texas’s needs.
Paxton even labeled him “Senator Ukraine,” underscoring his view that Cornyn neglects local issues.
While Cornyn is serving his fourth term and has established himself as a prominent figure in Republican politics, including a brief bid for Senate Majority Leader, recent polling indicates that Paxton leads Cornyn by a notable 20 points.
The dynamics of the race are complicated further by Trump’s potential endorsement.
Although Cornyn thinks Trump’s backing is significant, uncertainty remains about whether the president will support him, particularly given past criticisms of Cornyn as “weak” and “ineffective.”
The upcoming primary could prove to be a significant battle within Texas politics.
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