Ken Paxton’s Call to Action: A Potential Senate Showdown

Calls for Purging Moderates from the Texas GOP

In a fervent address to Republican Party members in Denton County on Monday night, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, a staunch ally of former President Donald Trump, laid out his plans to oust several Republicans he deems insufficiently conservative from the Texas GOP. Among those targeted was Texas’ senior U.S. senator, John Cornyn, a significant figure in the Senate GOP hierarchy.

A Call to Action Against John Cornyn

The crowd responded with enthusiastic applause as Paxton declared, “The second thing we need to do, and I might play a role in this, is replace John Cornyn in the U.S. Senate.” His remarks signal a significant shift in Texas politics, where establishment Republicans may find themselves facing challenges from more radical factions.

Potential Senate Run in 2026

Paxton, who also previously collaborated with Trump’s legal team to challenge Biden administration policies, indicated a potential Senate run to unseat Cornyn. “I can’t think of a single thing he’s accomplished for our state or even for the country,” Paxton stated in a September interview, emphasizing that “everything’s on the table for me” regarding a future Senate bid.

During an interview with Fox News Digital, Paxton elaborated on his aspirations, saying he’s in discussions with various groups across Texas to gauge support for a potential 2026 campaign.

Criticism of Cornyn’s Leadership

Paxton has been vocal in his criticism of Cornyn, labeling him a “RINO” or “Republican in name only.” This term has become common among the MAGA and “America First” factions, which often challenge establishment Republicans who they view as weak.

As uncertainty surrounds Cornyn’s support amongst hardcore conservatives, another source close to Paxton revealed plans for the attorney general to spend upcoming months connecting with voters, donors, and grassroots activists to build a foundation for his campaign.

Paxton’s Controversial Background and Legal Troubles

The road for Paxton is not without obstacles. He faced a significant challenge in 2022 when he thwarted a primary bid from former Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush amid allegations of bribery and corruption. Furthermore, in 2023, he was impeached by the Texas House of Representatives but ultimately acquitted by the state Senate.

Cornyn’s Established Legacy in the Senate

Senator Cornyn, who has served in the Senate since 2002, has no intention of stepping aside. Having held key leadership positions like chair of the National Republican Senatorial Committee and Senate majority whip, Cornyn recently declared his candidacy to reclaim leadership roles within the Senate Republicans while insisting he will “absolutely” run again in 2026.

In recent speeches, he has reiterated support for Trump and decried Democratic obstruction regarding Cabinet confirmations, emphasizing the importance of filling pivotal governmental positions.

A Potential Showdown Looms

The prospect of Paxton challenging Cornyn sets the stage for what could become a highly contentious Republican primary in Texas. Political analysts are watching closely, considering the implications such a race would have not only locally but nationally as well.

“The big question is whether Trump would support Paxton over Cornyn in a primary challenge,” remarked Matt Mackowiak, a veteran Republican strategist. Cornyn’s long-standing popularity coupled with his extensive campaign experience means he remains a formidable opponent.

A Historical Perspective

Mackowiak noted, “Cornyn has never lost a race,” emphasizing the difficulty of unseating an entrenched incumbent in Texas politics. He added, “We haven’t had a Republican senator lose a primary since Richard Lugar in 2004.” However, he acknowledged that the political landscape is shifting and that Paxton could present a legitimate challenge to Cornyn’s reign.

If Paxton officially enters the race, it could result in a highly publicized and divisive primary with national attention. Fundraising efforts and grassroots mobilization from both factions would significantly impact the outcome.

Conclusion: A Race of National Consequence

Mackowiak concluded by underscoring the potential ramifications of this primary match-up, stating it could easily become “one of the biggest primaries of the cycle.” Given the scale of involvement from national activists and financial backers on both sides, it may overshadow other significant statewide primaries in Texas. As speculation continues, only time will tell if Paxton’s aspirations materialize into a significant electoral contest.