Listen to the article
Longtime Sen. John Cornyn and state Attorney General Ken Paxton will face each other in a May runoff for Texas’ Republican Senate nomination, following Tuesday’s primary election where neither secured a majority of votes. The contest represents a critical test for the GOP establishment as it confronts challenges from the party’s MAGA wing.
Cornyn, seeking a fifth term, immediately went on the offensive against his runoff opponent, telling reporters: “I refuse to allow a flawed, self-centered and shameless candidate like Ken Paxton risk everything we’ve worked so hard to build over these many years.” The incumbent has spent at least $64 million on television advertising since July in an effort to shore up his support.
Paxton, who began campaigning in earnest just last month, has maintained strong popularity among Texas conservatives despite significant legal troubles. In 2023, he was impeached on corruption charges by the Texas House but later acquitted by the state Senate. His national profile has risen through numerous lawsuits challenging Democratic initiatives.
U.S. Rep. Wesley Hunt, who placed a distant third, conceded Tuesday night. All three candidates had campaigned on their ties to former President Donald Trump, who notably did not endorse anyone in the race.
In the Democratic primary, U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett and state Rep. James Talarico remain locked in a close contest. The two candidates represent contrasting styles within the Democratic Party, with Crockett building a national profile through pointed attacks on Republicans, while Talarico, a former seminarian who frequently references the Bible, has held rallies across Texas, including in heavily Republican areas.
Talarico had outspent Crockett more than four-to-one on television advertising by late February. His campaign received unexpected attention and contributions when CBS declined to air his interview with late-night host Stephen Colbert, who claimed the network feared angering Trump’s FCC.
Democratic voters appeared divided on approach, with some drawn to Talarico’s unifying message. Dallas voter Tanu Sani said she chose Talarico because he “really spoke to me in the way he tries to unify,” while Andrew Kern appreciated “an approach that’s bridging some of the divisiveness.” Others, like Tomas Sanchez, backed Crockett because “she cares about immigrants, she cares about the American people in a way that a lot of the Republicans have proven they haven’t.”
The primary day was not without controversy. Voting was extended in Dallas County and Williamson County after voters reported being turned away and directed to different precincts due to new primary rules. Paxton’s office challenged the decision to keep polls open longer, and the Texas Supreme Court ruled that ballots cast by people not in line by 7 p.m. should be separated.
In a concerning security incident, a man wearing camouflage, sunglasses, and a face mask entered the Dallas hotel where Paxton was expected to address supporters. After being asked to leave, he was detained by police, who recovered ammunition magazines and shotgun shells from his vehicle. Paxton’s campaign declined to comment on the incident.
Texas’ primary day also featured several key House races influenced by mid-decade redistricting aimed at helping Republicans maintain their narrow House majority. Former Rep. Mayra Flores, who made history in 2022 as the first Republican to win in the Rio Grande Valley in 150 years, is attempting a comeback against Eric Flores, a Trump-endorsed lawyer, for the chance to challenge Democratic Rep. Vicente Gonzalez.
In the 23rd District, which includes Uvalde, Rep. Tony Gonzales faces a challenge from gun manufacturer and YouTube influencer Brandon Herrera amid controversy over an alleged affair with a staffer who later died by suicide.
Other notable races include former Major League Baseball star Mark Teixeira running as a Republican in southwest Texas’ 21st District, and Latin Grammy winner Bobby Pulido seeking the Democratic nomination in South Texas’ 15th District.
Republican Governor Greg Abbott easily won his primary and will face Democratic state Rep. Gina Hinojosa in the general election. Rep. Chip Roy, running for attorney general, will face Mayes Middleton in a runoff after neither secured more than 50% of Tuesday’s vote.
Texas is one of three states holding primaries on Tuesday, officially launching the 2024 midterm election season at a time when the U.S. and Israel are engaged in conflicts with Iran.
Fact Checker
Verify the accuracy of this article using The Disinformation Commission analysis and real-time sources.
14 Comments
This race highlights the ongoing tensions within the GOP. It will be interesting to see if the party can rally around the winner or if divisions remain. Texas voters have a big decision ahead of them.
Interesting race in Texas. Cornyn seems to be the establishment pick, but Paxton has built a strong base with conservatives. Curious to see how the runoff plays out and whether the GOP can unite behind the winner.
Curious to see how Cornyn’s spending and establishment support stacks up against Paxton’s grassroots appeal. The winner will have a tough fight in the general election, no matter which way it goes.
Good point. The general election will be crucial, as Texas is a key battleground state. Voter turnout and enthusiasm will be critical for the Republican nominee.
This race highlights the ongoing tensions within the Republican party. It will be interesting to see if the eventual nominee can unite the party or if divisions remain. Texas voters have a big decision ahead of them.
The legal troubles surrounding Paxton are certainly a factor here. But his popularity with the MAGA wing could make him a formidable opponent for Cornyn. This race will be a test of the party’s direction.
It’s good to see a contested primary process, even if it gets a bit messy. Healthy debate is important for democracy. I hope the eventual Republican nominee can focus on the key issues facing Texans.
I’m curious to see how the candidates’ positions on mining, metals, and commodities might factor into this race. Those industries are so important to the Texas economy, so that could be a key issue for voters.
Curious to see how the candidates’ positions on energy and natural resource issues might play out. Texas is a major player in those sectors, so that could be a key factor for voters.
Absolutely. The energy industry is a major employer and economic driver in Texas, so the candidates’ stances on those issues will be crucial. Voters will want to know where they stand.
The legal issues surrounding Paxton are certainly a complicating factor. Voters will have to weigh that against his conservative credentials and populist appeal. It’s going to be a close and contentious runoff.
Cornyn’s long tenure and establishment ties could work in his favor, but Paxton’s populist appeal shouldn’t be underestimated. This is shaping up to be a high-stakes battle for the direction of the Texas GOP.
The impeachment charges against Paxton are certainly a wild card in this race. Voters will have to weigh the significance of those issues against his conservative credentials. It’s going to be a close one to watch.
As an energy and commodities observer, I’m curious to see how the candidates’ positions on issues like oil & gas, mining, and renewables might impact the race. These sectors are crucial for the Texas economy.