Paxton is the Republican nominee for Senate in Texas, beating Cornyn : NPR
NPR • • general
Key Points:
- Texas Republicans nominated Attorney General Ken Paxton in the U.S. Senate primary runoff, unseating incumbent Sen. John Cornyn, with a key endorsement from former President Trump boosting Paxton's campaign.
- The primary race became the most expensive in Senate history, costing $100 million, with Paxton and Cornyn advancing to a runoff after neither secured a majority in the March primary.
- Paxton, despite facing multiple legal challenges and personal controversies, is viewed by supporters as a fighter aligned with Trump's MAGA movement, contrasting with Cornyn's more moderate, bipartisan approach.
- Democrats see an opportunity to contest the Senate seat and potentially regain Senate control due to Republican divisions, although Texas has not elected a statewide Democrat since 1994.
- Cornyn warned that Paxton's nomination could alienate voters and damage party unity, highlighting ongoing tensions within the Texas Republican Party between establishment figures and Trump loyalists.