Texas Senate Race Heads to Runoff as GOP Battles Itself
SCHERTZ, Texas – A bruising Republican primary in Texas is heading to a runoff, raising concerns within the party that the internal fight could jeopardize their hold on a reliably red seat in November. Incumbent Senator John Cornyn will face a challenge from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, after neither candidate secured a majority in Tuesday’s primary election.
The runoff, scheduled for March 26, sets the stage for a 12-week campaign expected to be both costly and divisive for the GOP. While Cornyn led in initial results, he failed to reach the 50% threshold needed to avoid a second round of voting, according to the Associated Press. Congressman Wesley Hunt finished third and has been eliminated from the race.
The contest has exposed deep fissures within the Texas Republican party. Cornyn, a four-term senator, has positioned himself as a pragmatic conservative, while Paxton has cultivated a more populist, Trump-aligned image.
“Ken Paxton as the nominee would be a dead weight,” Cornyn told supporters Tuesday night, issuing a stark warning about his opponent’s electability. He further stated, “Judgment day is coming for Ken Paxton.”
Paxton, however, is undeterred, pointing to his previous statewide victories achieved through runoff elections. He also invoked Senator Ted Cruz, urging voters to “send a second conservative Senator” to Washington. “Texas is not for sale,” Paxton declared, referencing Cornyn’s significant financial advantage – a $69 million campaign war chest compared to Paxton’s $5 million.
The race has been complicated by Paxton’s legal troubles. He has faced indictment, impeachment, and allegations of infidelity, including reports of an affair with a married woman. Despite these controversies, Paxton has maintained a strong base of support, particularly among conservative activists. The Daily Mail reported on allegations of an affair, which Cornyn subsequently addressed in a campaign advertisement.
Adding another layer of complexity is the role of former President Donald Trump. He has remained conspicuously neutral in the race so far, leaving both candidates vying for his endorsement. A pro-Cornyn PAC faced accusations of manipulating audio from a 2019 Trump rally in an attempt to create the impression of a recent endorsement, a tactic that drew criticism.
The outcome of the runoff will have implications beyond Texas. Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, speaking on NBC News, expressed concern that a prolonged primary battle would divert resources away from other competitive races across the country. “If we have to spend money in Texas, then we’re diverting,” he said.
The stakes are high for both parties. A Paxton victory could open the door for a Democratic challenge in a state that has become increasingly competitive in recent years. Many GOP operatives fear that Paxton’s controversial past could make the seat vulnerable in November.