GRAPEVINE, Texas — Hundreds of conservative activists at the Conservative Political Action Conference embraced Ken Paxton as the GOP’s clear pick for Senate in Texas, handing him a decisive straw poll win and the conference’s endorsement.

In a survey of Texas attendees unveiled onstage, 67% backed Paxton compared to 21% for incumbent Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX), with 12% undecided, a lopsided margin that underscores his strength with grassroots conservatives.