Texas Senate Race: Cornyn and Paxton Head to Runoff, Democrats Battle for Nomination

The race to represent Texas in the U.S. Senate is heating up, with incumbent Republican Senator John Cornyn facing a runoff challenge from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. On the Democratic side, Representative Jasmine Crockett and state Representative James Talarico are vying for their party’s nomination.

Republican Primary: Cornyn and Paxton to Face Off Again

Senator John Cornyn and Attorney General Ken Paxton will compete in a May 26 runoff election after neither candidate secured a majority vote in the March 3rd primary. According to initial results with 72% of the expected vote tallied, Cornyn led with 43% of the vote, followed by Paxton with 41%, and Representative Wesley Hunt with 13% NBC News. The primary has already seen nearly $100 million in advertising spending, largely funded by Cornyn and his supporters.

Cornyn has emphasized the potential risk Paxton poses to the Republican hold on the Senate seat, citing Paxton’s past and ongoing legal controversies. Paxton was impeached in 2023 on allegations of bribery and corruption, though he was later acquitted by the state Senate NBC News. Paxton’s wife also filed for divorce last year, citing “biblical grounds.”

Paxton, however, argues that he can galvanize the base of supporters loyal to former President Donald Trump, who may be less likely to participate in midterm elections NBC News.

Democratic Primary: A Battle Between Crockett and Talarico

On the Democratic side, Representative Jasmine Crockett and state Representative James Talarico are engaged in a competitive race for the party’s Senate nomination Texas Tribune, PBS. Democrats see an opportunity to be competitive in Texas this fall, as they aim to gain the four seats needed to control the Senate.

Representative Crockett is focused on mobilizing new voters, while Representative Talarico is presenting himself as an alternative voice within the Democratic party Chicago Tribune.

Looking Ahead

The runoff between Cornyn and Paxton is expected to be a contentious and expensive affair. The outcome will significantly impact the Republican Party’s chances of retaining the Senate seat. The Democratic primary winner will face an uphill battle in a traditionally Republican state, but the race presents an opportunity for the party to challenge the status quo.