New Poll Shows Paxton Crushing Cornyn in Attorney General Race

Senator John Cornyn (R) is trailing Attorney General Ken Paxton (R) by 16 points in a new poll commissioned by the Senate Leadership Fund (SLF), a GOP-aligned super PAC backing Senator Cornyn’s re-election bid.

The poll, which was conducted by The Tarrance Group from April 27 to May 1, shows Attorney General Paxton with 56% support to Senator Cornyn’s 40%, according to two individuals briefed on the results.

In a hypothetical three-way GOP primary matchup, Attorney General Paxton still leads with 44%, followed by Senator Cornyn at 34% and Rep. Wesley Hunt (R), who is reportedly considering entering the race, at 19%.

Though SLF is supporting him, the numbers reveal deep vulnerability for the longtime senator, who was first elected in 2002.

Senator Cornyn’s campaign remains defiant despite the polling.

“Senator Cornyn has a 99% voting record with Trump as president and continues to be his close legislative ally,” said senior adviser Matt Mackowiak. “In ten months when Texas GOP primary voters completely understand the record of both candidates, we are confident we will win.”

SLF Communications Director Chris Gustafson echoed that confidence, attempting to shift attention to Attorney General Paxton’s political baggage.

“Texans only need one quick look at Paxton’s record before his support plummets, and it’s clear he would risk delivering the Senate majority to Chuck Schumer,” he said.

Senator Cornyn issued a response to the polling results on social media, calling into question his political rival’s character. “His lead is shrinking already and the battle has just begun!” he wrote on X. “He must be getting nervous.”

Attorney General Paxton respond to the criticism, writing, “imagine being delusional enough to celebrate a poll showing you down 16 points after being in office for 40 years.” “Texans know my record and have my back, which is why I’m beating you by 15-30 points in every poll and won my last general election by nearly 10,” he added.