U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, Texas’ senior senator, is battling Attorney General Ken Paxton in today’s Republican primary runoff, leaning on decades of experience and institutional knowledge as he seeks a fifth term. Voting runs from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. across the state.
Cornyn, 74, first elected to the Senate in 2002, previously served as Texas attorney general, Texas Supreme Court justice and district judge. A San Antonio native and Trinity University graduate with a law degree from St. Mary’s, he has held leadership roles including Senate Republican Whip.
In the March 3 primary, Cornyn led with about 42% to Paxton’s 40.5%. He has highlighted his 99% voting alignment with President Trump, work on border security, judicial confirmations and Texas-specific issues like agriculture and energy. Cornyn argues his electability and relationships make him the stronger general election candidate against Democrat James Talarico.
Please vote tomorrow in Republican Primary runoff election. God bless Texas pic.twitter.com/iNqiuejmbp
— Senator John Cornyn (@JohnCornyn) May 25, 2026
The campaign has been expensive and personal, with over $135 million spent. Cornyn has stressed experience and results over what he calls Paxton’s legal baggage, while navigating Trump’s late endorsement of his challenger.
A Cornyn victory would maintain continuity in Texas’ Senate delegation, preserving his influence on key committees including Judiciary, Finance and Intelligence. The outcome will help define the direction of Texas Republican politics heading into November.
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