Ken Paxton Triumphs in Texas GOP Senate Primary with Trump’s Backing
In a dramatic shift within the Texas Republican landscape, scandal-laden state Attorney General Ken Paxton secured the GOP Senate nomination, toppling incumbent Senator John Cornyn. This victory came after an influential endorsement from former President Donald Trump, solidifying Paxton’s position as a prominent MAGA figure in Texas.
Republican Senate nominee Ken Paxton speaks to supporters at a watch party on March 3 in Dallas. Paxton beat incumbent Sen. John Cornyn in a runoff for the nomination, setting up a tough fight in November against Democratic nominee, state Rep. James Talarico.
Sergio Flores/Getty Images
Texas Republicans invested a record-breaking $100 million in this primary, making it the costliest in Senate history. Both Cornyn, 74, and Paxton, 63, found themselves in a runoff after neither secured a majority in the March primary. Recent polling indicated a shift in favor of Paxton, further fueled by Trump’s last-minute endorsement during early voting.
Paxton expressed his gratitude to Trump, stating in Katy, Texas, “Whenever I’m around him, good things happen. Good things happen to me and good things happen for Texas. So I love Donald Trump.”
Democrats view the internal GOP conflict as an opportunity to capture this Senate seat and potentially gain Senate majority. The Democratic contender, state Rep. James Talarico, was nominated without needing a runoff, as the party aims to capitalize on discontent with Trump’s policies.
Paxton’s nomination does not come without controversy. His political journey has been marred by criminal charges, whistleblower accusations, and a recent impeachment attempt. Though acquitted by the Texas Senate, his reputation remains contentious. Adding to this, Paxton’s wife, state Sen. Angela Paxton, filed for divorce citing “biblical grounds.”
Supporters liken Paxton to Trump, viewing his battles as evidence of a resilient fighter, while Cornyn’s bipartisan efforts, especially post the Uvalde school shooting, have drawn criticism from MAGA loyalists who accused him of betraying Republican values.
Cornyn’s defeat highlights a fracture in Texas’s Republican stronghold. His backers felt blindsided by Trump’s endorsement of Paxton, fearing it could alienate voters in the general election. Cornyn, reflecting on his political ethos, remarked, “I’ve always believed in the politics of addition, not subtraction.”
Despite the setback, Cornyn’s campaign persisted with vigor up to the election. His political career, spanning roles from district judge to Senate majority whip, was defined by a moderate stance and establishment-building efforts, which he adjusted in alignment with Trump’s presidency.
Brandon Rottinghaus, a political science expert at the University of Houston, noted the potential long-term repercussions for the GOP’s unity. “The stain of the fight has left a lasting problem for unity among Republicans,” he stated, underlining the risk of diminishing party cohesion as the general election approaches.
This article was originally written by www.npr.org
