Republicans fall in line behind Ken Paxton after resounding victory

Published May 26, 2026 10:24pm ET



Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is consolidating Republican support after defeating four-term incumbent Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) in a decisive Republican Senate primary, setting up a high-profile general election battle in Texas.

Paxton defeated Cornyn with more than 60% of the vote, delivering a major upset against the Senate GOP’s long-serving member. The victory came after President Donald Trump endorsed Paxton last week, boosting the attorney general after the two candidates spent weeks running neck and neck in polling.

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