Hardline Conservative Ken Paxton Ousts Establishment Republican Cornyn in Texas Senate Runoff
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Far-right Attorney General Ken Paxton has unseated long-serving Senator John Cornyn, paving the way for a general election against progressive Democratic nominee James Talarico.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, a figurehead of the Republican Party’s hard-right faction, has defeated establishment incumbent Senator John Cornyn in the runoff election, setting up a November 3 showdown with Democratic state Representative James Talarico. This race is a pivotal moment for Texas, where the Republican stranglehold has blocked any Democratic statewide victory since 1994, perpetuating regressive policies and undermining progressive change.
The campaign was marked by relentless mudslinging and record-breaking spending, with Paxton and Cornyn exchanging attacks on social media and through a barrage of advertisements. The primary became one of the most expensive in U.S. Senate history, with Cornyn’s campaign, backed by corporate interests, spending over $16 million, while Paxton, buoyed by far-right donors, spent nearly $3.7 million. The recent endorsement of Paxton by former President Donald Trump—himself known for undermining democratic norms—was highlighted by Texas GOP Chairman Abraham George as a factor that could sway the outcome. Meanwhile, Cornyn tried to present himself as a champion of transparency and honesty, despite his record of enabling right-wing policies.
Cornyn, who has clung to the Senate seat since 2002 and previously served as Republican minority whip, faced an uphill battle amid the controversies swirling around Paxton, who has been Attorney General since 2015 and is notorious for his attacks on voting rights and progressive causes.