PAXTON Strikes Back — Epic Showdown

Texas conservatives face a critical choice as establishment Senator John Cornyn battles hardline Attorney General Ken Paxton in a primary that will determine whether the Lone Star State embraces true constitutional conservatism or continues down the path of bipartisan compromise that has betrayed conservative principles.

Story Highlights

Bush-era incumbent Cornyn faces his toughest primary challenge from Trump-aligned Ken Paxton
Race represents broader battle between establishment Republicans and constitutional conservatives
Cornyn’s support for gun control measures and Ukraine aid has angered the conservative base
Representative Wesley Hunt enters as a younger alternative, potentially forcing a runoff
Trump’s absence from endorsing either candidate creates unusual uncertainty in the race

Establishment Incumbent Faces Conservative Uprising

Senator John Cornyn, serving since 2002, represents the old guard of Republican politics that prioritized bipartisan dealmaking over conservative principles. His support for post-Uvalde gun safety measures directly undermines Second Amendment protections, a core concern for constitutional advocates. Cornyn’s backing of Ukraine aid and the DREAM Act has further alienated Texas conservatives who demand America First policies. This primary challenge reflects growing conservative frustration with politicians who campaign as Republicans but govern as moderates.

Constitutional Conservative Challenger Emerges

Attorney General Ken Paxton embodies the hardline conservative approach that Texas Republicans increasingly demand. Despite surviving a politically motivated impeachment in 2023, Paxton has emerged stronger, leveraging his legal battles to demonstrate his commitment to conservative principles. His challenge to Cornyn represents more than personal ambition—it signals the conservative movement’s determination to replace establishment figures with authentic constitutional defenders. Paxton’s Trump alignment and outsider status resonate with voters frustrated by decades of Republican compromise.

Three-Way Battle Complicates Primary Dynamics

Representative Wesley Hunt’s entry transforms this into a generational contest, offering conservatives a younger option without the controversies surrounding Paxton. Hunt positions himself as a “conservative warrior” who can appeal to both establishment and hardline factions while maintaining electoral viability. Current polling shows a dead heat between Cornyn and Paxton, with Hunt trailing but potentially forcing a runoff if neither candidate achieves a majority. This scenario could benefit the candidate who best consolidates conservative support while avoiding damaging attacks.

Trump’s Neutrality Creates Strategic Uncertainty

President Trump’s decision to withhold endorsement represents unusual strategic restraint in a race where his support could prove decisive. This neutrality allows both Cornyn and Paxton to claim Trump alignment while avoiding the potential backlash of opposing a Trump-endorsed candidate. For conservative voters, Trump’s silence means evaluating candidates based on their actual records rather than presidential preferences. This dynamic may ultimately benefit the candidate who demonstrates the strongest conservative credentials and constitutional commitment throughout the campaign.

Stakes Extend Beyond Texas Borders

This primary serves as a bellwether for the Republican Party’s ideological future, testing whether establishment incumbents can survive challenges from constitutional conservatives. A Paxton victory would signal the continued ascendance of America First principles over globalist establishment priorities. The outcome affects not only Texas representation but also the broader conservative movement’s ability to hold Republican politicians accountable to their campaign promises. With nearly $40 million already spent, this race demonstrates the high stakes both factions place on controlling the direction of conservative politics.