Senate Majority Leader John Tune (Rs.D.) has approved the re-election bid for Texas Sen. John Cornyn (R) in the eyes of State Attorney General Ken Paxton, who will challenge his long-standing incumbent in the primary election next year.
“I am honored to have worked with @JohnCornyn, one of the most effective and respected conservative leaders in the country. He was tireless and hardworking to build a majority,” Thune said. I wrote it on x In response to the launch of Cornyn's reelection campaign.
“We need him to take over President Trump's agenda in the fight against the Senate.”
A handful of other GOP figures were supported, including Sen. Steve Daines (Mont), who also chaired the National Republican Senate Committee (NRSC) for the Last Cycle. Discussed The Republican “needs” Cornyn in the Senate.
Cornyn's race is one of several midterms in 2026, when incumbent Republicans are blessed with potentially tough major challenges from the party's Maga fact.
Paxton has not officially launched a campaign, but it has long swirled around as conservative fire trucks could jump into the Senate. He recently hinted at the run and told Punch Bowl News this month that Cornyn, who is seeking his fifth term, “had his chance.”
If Paxton jumps into the race, the ongoing friction within the Texas Republican Party will shine a spotlight on the ongoing friction between the founding wing, represented by Cornyn, and the tense far-right wing.
Cornyn has held the Senate seat for more than 20 years, but Paxton, who has served as the state's AG since 2015, has seen his national overview increase in recent years. In 2023 he was fired each by a Texas home regarding allegations of corruption, but was later acquitted by a state senator and resurrected.
Polls tracked by Texas Political Projectat the University of Texas in Austin, he has received approval for Cornyn's work around. 49%Paxton is proud 62% approval.
