Exclusive – With just six months until Texas kicks off its primary season for the 2026 midterm elections, the anticipated matchup between veteran Republican Senator John Cornyn and his challenger, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, seems to be getting closer.
Paxton, a long-time supporter of President Donald Trump and a figure tangled in several controversies, initially enjoyed a solid double-digit lead over Cornyn in early summer polling.
However, recent investigations indicate a more competitive race as both prominent Texas politicians engage in what has turned into an expensive and intense contest.
“A lot of the media wrote Senator Cornyn’s political obituary back in May and June, but the current state of the race tells a different story,” states a memo from the Cornyn campaign released on Wednesday.
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Top political advisors for Cornyn, who shared insights with Fox News Digital, underscored that “the campaign is gaining traction and there’s significant potential for continued growth.”
Trump remains neutral but influential
The memo also points out what it describes as “Ken Paxton’s quite challenging summer,” highlighting reports about Paxton’s personal life, including that his wife has filed for divorce, and allegations of mortgage fraud regarding his claimed residences.
In a Tuesday interview with Fox Business’ “Morning with Maria,” Paxton rejected these allegations and labeled Cornyn as “absolutely lying.”
He remarked, “John Cornyn isn’t presenting things accurately. It feels like he’s trying to spin it in a negative light.” Paxton expressed skepticism regarding the latest polls, suggesting that “I don’t think the race is as tight as they indicate,” adding that Texas voters, especially Republicans, are quite perceptive. “In the primary, they know what Cornyn hasn’t done,” he said.
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Paxton asserted that Cornyn is aware of his unpopular stances, mentioning how he voted against key issues important to many Texans. He promised that voters would recognize these discrepancies in the upcoming election.
“My campaign has sufficient funds to inform voters about my record versus his,” Paxton stated confidently.
Senate Majority Leader John Tune and the National Republican Senatorial Committee are backing Cornyn as he seeks re-election.
For now, Trump remains neutral.
Paxton noted in his interview, “I’ve been a supporter of Trump since day one, unlike Cornyn, who seems to shift positions often.” He highlighted their differing views on loyalty to the former president.
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Matt McCowiak, a senior advisor for Cornyn’s campaign, told Fox News that Texas GOP voters are becoming more informed about their voting records alongside President Trump, which he believes will lead to a conservative victory in Texas.
“We have a solid plan to win this race, and we are executing it,” McCowiak remarked.
Another Republican, Representative Wesley Hunt, is contemplating a Senate bid. This rising star, representing the Houston area, has claimed he’s the only one who could successfully navigate both the primary and general election. As Hunt weighs his options, he has ramped up advertising efforts across Texas to bolster his visibility.
