CPAC activists embrace Paxton as MAGA's choice for Senate over Cornyn
AP News • • nation
Key Points:
- Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton was celebrated as the favored Republican candidate at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), receiving strong grassroots support against incumbent Sen. John Cornyn in the upcoming May 26 runoff.
- Paxton, who was impeached but acquitted on corruption charges three years ago, credited his political survival to God and the Texas electorate, emphasizing his alignment with former President Trump and conservative priorities like the SAVE Act.
- Despite Cornyn leading in the primary and having establishment backing and more fundraising, Paxton’s appeal among the party’s right wing and his aggressive stance on voting legislation could sway the runoff outcome.
- Cornyn’s campaign criticized Paxton for dishonesty, while some conservatives view Cornyn’s recent policy shifts as insincere attempts to regain support, highlighting a desire among voters for fresh conservative leadership.
- The winner of the Republican runoff will face Democrat James Talarico in a closely watched Senate race, with Paxton’s strong grassroots base and Trump-aligned positions making the contest highly competitive.
