Paxton Defeats Cornyn in Texas Senate Primary

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton defeated incumbent Republican Sen. John Cornyn in the state’s primary runoff Tuesday, adding to President Donald Trump’s hot streak of unseating those he considers insufficiently loyal and ending Cornyn’s multi-decade career in the Senate.

The Associated Press declared Paxton the victor at 9 p.m. EDT, when he held a 25 point lead over Cornyn. Paxton had secured 62.5% of the vote to Cornyn’s 37.5%.

In his victory speech, Paxton credited his victory to Trump and pledged to work with him.

“When everyone in Washington told him to abandon me and abandon the people of Texas, he didn’t listen,” Paxton said of Trump.

Paxton added, “Instead, he gave me his complete and total endorsement. President Trump is the leader of our party and his endorsement… is the most powerful force in politics… I look forward to delivering with him in the Senate to deliver for Texans.”

Cornyn, who has served in the Senate since 2002, has long been a powerful figure in Washington politics, having previously served as the chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) and as the Republican Senate whip from 2013 to 2019.

Paxton will now head to the general election against state Rep. James Talarico, who defeated Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, for the party’s nomination in March.

Talarico has developed a large social media presence and has been a powerful fundraiser—although not at the level of Democrat Beto O’Rourke in 2018.

In a statement on X after Paxton won, Talarico courted Cornyn’s supporters.

“I want to thank Senator John Cornyn for his years representing our state,” wrote Talarico. “We don’t agree on everything, but we both still believe in public service. To Senator Cornyn’s supporters: you have a place in our campaign.”

In his concession speech, Cornyn indicated he would support Paxton in the general election after a hard-fought primary.

“I’ve always supported the Republican ticket and I intend to do so again in this general election,” said Cornyn. “I’ve said throughout this race that I trust the voters of Texas and they’ve made their decision and I must respect it.”

The Cook Political Report previously rated the Texas race’s outcome “likely Republican,” but upon Paxton’s victory, shifted it to “lean Republican.”

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