A recent poll indicates a Republican divide in Texas regarding the Senate seat currently held by John Cornyn, as he might face a primary runoff against Attorney General Ken Paxton, who has strong MAGA support.
This statewide survey, leaked shortly before the Republican primary, seems to have been commissioned by Rep. Wesley Hunt, a late entrant into the race.
According to the poll, Cornyn’s backing among likely Republican primary voters has dipped to 15.4%, a drop of nearly 10 points since February’s earlier poll. In contrast, Paxton enjoys 38.8% support, while Cornyn stands at 29.5%.
Voting results were shared via a Google Drive associated with one of Hunt’s aides, James Kirkandes, suggesting the account is tied to his campaign.
The account claimed it was “owned by Hunt for Congress.” It’s noted that Kirkanides did not respond to requests for comment.
Two polls from JL Partners have shown Hunt either tied with or ahead of Cornyn, the long-serving senator, who recently urged voters during a campaign event in the Woodlands area not to fall into complacency.
He stated, “This isn’t just about me; it’s about our nation and the future of our country. I need your help.”
Cornyn expressed concerns over voter turnout, drawing parallels to a recent New York mayoral election where only 15% of registered voters participated. He criticized the Democratic Socialists, saying this low engagement allowed certain candidates, like Zohran Mamdani, to win.
Several potential voters at a Trump event in Corpus Christi revealed their support for Paxton instead of Cornyn. One individual called Cornyn a “RINO,” which stands for “Republican in name only.”
“We have a great attorney general in Ken Paxton,” Trump said, without endorsing either candidate. He acknowledged the competition, adding that both men are “great people.”
The competition has intensified between the candidates, particularly over digital advertising strategies. Cornyn’s campaign has faced scrutiny for issues like marital infidelity and support for gender-affirming treatments for children.
Paxton’s daughter pushed back against these claims, sharing a video statement and emphasizing her father’s character and dedication to Texas.
She acknowledged, “My father is not perfect, and neither are we, but he is committed to doing right by the people of Texas.” This reflects the broader concerns among Republicans regarding potential implications for Senate seats if intra-party conflicts continue.
