An exchange between U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R) and a reporter has gained massive attention as the Texas Republican's midterm battle with Attorney General Ken Paxton (R) intensifies.
In a video circulating online, a reporter asked Sen. Cornyn why voters should expect an endorsement from President Donald Trump when, according to critics, the senator has opposed elements of the president's agenda.
"What do you have to say to the Americans who are questioning why President Trump should endorse you when many say you've been vehemently against his agenda?" the reporter asked.
Sen. Cornyn pushed back on the question, questioning, "Do you speak for all these Americans? I don't understand."
The reporter continued, saying many voters were raising concerns about Cornyn's past support for policies such as red flag laws and pro-amnesty positions on immigration. To this statement, Cornyn quickly asked if the reporter was "being paid by the Paxton Campaign."
The reporter stated that she was "a concerned American citizen representing millions of Americans." However, Cornyn dismissed the claim. "No, I think you're a paid influencer, because none of that is true and you know it," said Cornyn, ending the conversation.
Texas AG Paxton quickly responded to the exchange on social media, using the moment to criticize his Republican rival.
"Cornyn is spending too much time in DC if he thinks people need to be paid to be against gun control and amnesty," wrote Paxton.
Cornyn is spending too much time in DC if he thinks people need to be paid to be against gun control and amnesty.pic.twitter.com/kkjRUsLquy
— Attorney General Ken Paxton (@KenPaxtonTX) March 13, 2026
In a separate post, Paxton added, "If you're a patriotic American who's tired of John Cornyn insulting you because you don't want amnesty and gun control, help me fire him."
The clash highlights the increasingly competitive contest between Sen. Cornyn and AG Paxton ahead of the May 26 primary runoff. While Cornyn finished the March 3 primary with a narrow lead, Paxton continues to appeal to conservative voters by aligning himself closely with President Trump and attacking Cornyn's record in Washington.
