Texas Senate Race Heads to Runoff Between Cornyn and Paxton
Texas Republicans will face another three months of campaigning as Attorney General Ken Paxton and U.S. Senator John Cornyn advance to a May 26 runoff election for the Senate seat. The outcome of this race will significantly shape the future of Texas politics and potentially influence the balance of power in the Senate.
Runoff Results and Key Players
The primary election on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, resulted in neither Cornyn nor Paxton securing over 50% of the vote, necessitating a runoff. According to early reports with approximately 90% of precincts reporting, Cornyn led with 41.9% of the vote, closely followed by Paxton with 40.9%.1 U.S. Representative Wesley Hunt finished third and will not be advancing.
Campaign Strategies and Spending
Both Cornyn and Paxton faced significant opposition and substantial spending during the primary. Hunt experienced a barrage of negative advertising funded by PACs affiliated with both campaigns, aimed at preventing him from gaining traction and securing a spot in the runoff.1 Cornyn’s campaign and allied groups have spent at least $64 million on television advertising since July.1 The close margin in the primary suggests that spending and the intensity of the campaigns will likely increase in the lead-up to the May 26 runoff.
The Democratic Race
On the Democratic side, state Representative James Talarico defeated U.S. Representative Jasmine Crockett to win the party’s nomination.1
Looking Ahead: Trump’s Endorsement and Potential Challenges
The Republican runoff is expected to intensify lobbying efforts among Cornyn’s allies in Washington, including Senate Majority Leader John Thune, for an endorsement from President Donald Trump.1 While Trump has refrained from endorsing a candidate thus far, calling all three contenders “friends,” the tight race increases the value of his support. Republicans in Washington have expressed concern that Paxton, who faces documented political challenges, may be a weaker candidate in the general election.2
Voting Issues and Concerns
The primary election wasn’t without issues. Confusion arose in Dallas and Williamson counties regarding voting locations due to changes in countywide voting rules.4 Lawsuits were filed, voting hours were adjusted and Democrats raised concerns about potential voter suppression.4
The runoff election on May 26 will be crucial in determining who will represent the Republican party in the November general election, and who will fill the important U.S. Senate seat for Texas.