CNN: John Cornyn makes his last stand against Ken Paxton, and other things to watch in Tuesday’s Texas runoffs
Trump’s endorsement boosted Paxton and intensified a runoff that could reshape Texas Republicans’ Senate map, analysts said.
- On Tuesday, Republican Sen. John Cornyn faced the final vote in his uphill battle for renomination against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton after President Donald Trump's endorsement last week elevated Paxton to front-runner status.
- Trump's backing transformed the previously competitive race, prompting Cornyn's campaign and a pro-Paxton super PAC to halt negative advertising last week after Texas GOP Chairman Abraham George urged both teams to unite for November.
- With Paxton running for Senate, the attorney general's office is open for the first time since 2014, a stepping stone in the national conservative movement now contested between US Rep. Chip Roy and state Sen. Mayes Middleton, who branded himself 'MAGA Mayes' and highlighted Roy's January 6 impeachment vote.
- Paxton has shifted focus to the general election against Democrat state Rep. James Talarico, while the runoff outcomes will determine the political futures of three House Democrats alongside the direction of one of Texas's most consequential statewide offices.
- Trump's allies intensified pressure on Roy in recent days, with Gov. Dan Patrick questioning his pro-Trump credentials while Trump adviser Alex Bruesewitz campaigned for Middleton on Friday, contrasting with Roy's defense rooted in his legal background and Trump's past praise.
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John Cornyn makes his last stand against Ken Paxton, and other things to watch in Tuesday’s Texas runoffs
Republican Sen. John Cornyn’s uphill battle for renomination from his party reaches its conclusion Tuesday as voters head to the polls in the Texas primary runoffs.
At the Races: Choosin’ Texas
Welcome to a special edition of At the Races! Throughout the 2026 primary season, watch for these updates from the CQ Roll Call campaign team on what you need to know for election day. Know someone who’d like to get this newsletter? They can subscribe here. By Daniela Altimari and Mary Ellen McIntire Texas Sen. John Cornyn’s bid for renomination in the Republican primary was a challenge from the start, but it grew exponentially tougher last week…
ELECTION COVERAGE: Key races across Texas
SAN ANTONIO - Today is runoff election day across Texas.The most closely watched race is the Republican runoff between U.S. Sen. John Cornyn and Attorney General Ken Paxton. Paxton is considered the frontrunner after
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