Texans have cast their votes in the Republican runoff elections for U.S. Senate, and Attorney General Ken Paxton has defeated Senator John Cornyn to become the Republican nominee for U.S. Senate in Texas in the 2026 midterm general election.
AG Paxton secured a decisive victory, winning 64% of the vote compared to Sen. Cornyn's 36%, marking one of the most closely watched Republican primary battles in the country.
The race centered heavily around support for President Donald Trump and the future direction of the Republican Party in Texas. Paxton entered the runoff with Trump's endorsement, which was followed by a wave of endorsements from prominent Republican lawmakers and conservative figures across Texas.
Sen. Cornyn, a longtime incumbent senator and former Senate Republican whip, emphasized his experience, legislative record, and longstanding relationship with Trump throughout the campaign. Following Trump's endorsement of Paxton, Cornyn argued that Republican voters would ultimately decide whether the party wanted what he described as a "strong nominee" capable of defeating Democratic challenger James Talarico in November.
Paxton, meanwhile, campaigned as an "America First" conservative closely aligned with Trump and positioned himself as a political outsider willing to challenge the Republican establishment.
Paxton currently serves as the Texas Attorney General and has been a central figure in numerous legal and political battles involving immigration, border security, and conservative policy priorities.
In response to winning, Paxton turned to social media, thanking Texans and noting the next move.
"Thank you, Texas. Together we just made history," said Paxton. "Now we must unite to defeat the most well-funded, radical Democrat in America."
Thank you, Texas. Together, we just made history.
Now, we must unite to defeat the most well-funded, radical Democrat in America. Join my team and donate to get in the fight: https://t.co/rQl0P2UnWU pic.twitter.com/VwdZbS3hte
— Attorney General Ken Paxton (@KenPaxtonTX) May 27, 2026
With the Republican runoff now decided, Paxton will move on to face Democratic candidate James Talarico in the general election for U.S. Senate later this year.
As Texas shifts into the general election season, the Senate race is expected to remain one of the most high-profile political contests in the state and across the country.
