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Senator John Cornyn is fighting for his political survival in a Texas Republican primary that could define the future direction of the GOP. The longtime senator faces his toughest challenge yet from two rivals who claim stronger ties to Donald Trump’s MAGA movement.
Standing near the U.S.-Mexico border wall during a recent campaign event, Cornyn eschewed the fiery rhetoric that has become a hallmark of today’s Republican politics. Instead, the 73-year-old former Texas Supreme Court justice politely thanked Trump for providing billions in federal dollars to reimburse Texans for border wall construction.
This measured approach highlights the stark contrast between Cornyn’s traditional conservative style and his opponents – Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and U.S. Representative Wesley Hunt – who have embraced more confrontational politics aligned with Trump’s influence on the party.
“We’ve got enough performance artists here in Washington,” Cornyn told The Associated Press, taking aim at politicians who prioritize social media presence and attention-grabbing statements over substantive work. “People who think serving as a representative in the world’s most distinguished representative body – that what qualifies them – is they are loud, they are active on social media and they get a lot of attention.”
The March 5 primary has evolved into a three-way race that could head to a May runoff if no candidate secures 50% of the vote. Cornyn and allied super PACs have spent more than $30 million on television advertising since last summer, much of it attacking his rivals, according to ad-tracking service AdImpact.
Paxton, who entered the race in April 2023, has positioned himself as a Trump-style outsider battling the establishment. Having survived a 2023 impeachment trial on corruption charges and reaching a deal to end a securities fraud case, Paxton has framed the investigations against him as political persecution, mirroring Trump’s own narrative. He claims Cornyn has “completely lost touch with Texas.”
Hunt, a two-term congressman still building his statewide profile, frequently emphasizes his early endorsement of Trump’s 2024 comeback campaign. At campaign events, he has bluntly stated that Cornyn’s “moment has passed.”
The primary battle reflects broader tensions within the Republican Party, where traditional conservatives increasingly find themselves at odds with the populist movement Trump inspired. Some Republican voters now prioritize confrontational politics over Cornyn’s more diplomatic approach.
“He plays the part of the distinguished statesman. And that’s what he’s always been,” said Wayne Hamilton, a former executive director of the Texas Republican Party. “But anymore, you have to be very loud about the opposition. And that’s just not him.”
Cornyn has alienated some conservatives with his bipartisan work, particularly his role negotiating gun restrictions in a 2022 law following the Uvalde school shooting that killed 19 students and two teachers. Though the measure didn’t go as far as Democrats wanted, it represented the most significant gun legislation passed by Congress in decades. Some Texas GOP activists booed Cornyn at a state convention shortly before the bill passed.
The senator has also faced criticism for dismissing Trump’s debunked claims of widespread election fraud after the 2020 election and for initially being skeptical about Trump’s border wall proposal, once calling it “naive.”
Cornyn has worked to address these vulnerabilities by emphasizing areas of agreement with Trump. His campaign has aired ads featuring him alongside Border Patrol agents, promoting his support for $11 billion in border wall funding, and highlighting his 99% support for Trump’s agenda, including his three Supreme Court nominees.
“I think there is certainly some level of John Cornyn fatigue,” said Vinny Minchillo, a veteran Republican consultant in the Dallas area. “He’s been on the ballot in Texas for a long, long time.”
First elected attorney general in 1998 during George W. Bush’s gubernatorial term, Cornyn represents a style of politics that has fallen out of favor in some Republican circles. The Bush family, once a political dynasty in Texas, has seen its influence wane, symbolized by George P. Bush’s failed 2022 challenge against Paxton.
As the primary approaches, Cornyn is banking on voters prioritizing effectiveness over political theater. “Sometimes people make the distinction between a workhorse and a show horse,” he said. “And I’m happy to be a workhorse.”
The winner of the Republican primary will face either Democratic Representative Jasmine Crockett or state Representative James Talarico in the general election, though Texas has not elected a Democratic senator since 1988.
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10 Comments
Cornyn’s measured response to the border wall funding highlights his more moderate approach, which may be a liability in the current GOP landscape. It will be interesting to see if Texas Republicans are still receptive to that kind of politics.
You make a fair point. The MAGA wing of the party seems to be gaining more influence, which could make Cornyn’s traditional style a tough sell.
Interesting to see how Cornyn is navigating the shifting GOP landscape. His measured approach stands in contrast to the more confrontational MAGA-aligned candidates. It will be intriguing to see if his traditional conservative style can withstand the current party dynamics.
I agree, this primary race could be a pivotal moment for the future direction of the Republican Party in Texas.
It’s intriguing to see how this race will play out. Cornyn’s pragmatic approach contrasts sharply with the fiery rhetoric of his opponents, but in today’s polarized political climate, that may not be enough to secure his re-election.
I agree, the outcome of this primary could have broader implications for the future of the Republican Party in Texas and beyond.
Cornyn’s experience and political savvy may give him an edge, but the MAGA influence in the party is undeniable. It will be a tough battle, and the outcome could have broader implications beyond just this Senate race.
Absolutely, this race is a test of how much sway Trump’s brand of politics has within the Texas GOP.
Cornyn’s focus on substance over showmanship is a refreshing approach, but it remains to be seen if that resonates with the current Republican base. The political landscape has shifted significantly since he first took office.
You raise a good point. The GOP base has become increasingly aligned with the MAGA movement, which could make Cornyn’s more traditional style a tough sell.