Texas Sen. Cornyn Trails AG Paxton by 22 Points in GOP Primary Poll

Senator John Cornyn is facing significant challenges in his 2026 Republican primary reelection campaign in Texas, trailing Attorney General Ken Paxton by roughly 22 points in recent polls. Paxton leads with strong support among very conservative GOP voters and those identifying as “MAGA,” while Cornyn’s favorability has declined, partly due to his bipartisan efforts on gun control and immigration, which have alienated some conservative voters. Cornyn’s campaign has launched digital ads attacking Paxton for alleged political and ethical issues, but the incumbent still has approximately nine months to close the gap before the primary. Analysts note that Cornyn’s struggle reflects broader ideological divisions within the Texas GOP and highlights a shift toward candidates more aligned with Trump-style conservatism, although Trump remains officially neutral in the race. Despite the challenges, Cornyn emphasizes his conservative record and high alignment with President Trump to regain voter support. The outcome of the primary is particularly crucial as the winner is expected to have a strong advantage in the general election, given Texas’s solid Republican lean.