The D.C. establishment is clutching onto their pearls. But their days are over.
And a U.S. Senator was just smacked with replacement news in a shock to Washington, D.C.
Texas Showdown: A GOP Ready to Deliver Demands a Fighter in the Senate
Conservatives across Texas and everyday Americans nationwide are fed up with empty promises from politicians who claim to champion their values but falter when it’s time to deliver. The Republican Party stands at a crossroads, and nowhere is this more evident than in the brewing battle for Texas’ U.S. Senate seat. With Attorney General Ken Paxton throwing his hat into the ring against incumbent Sen. John Cornyn, the Lone Star State is poised for a primary that could redefine the GOP’s future. The question isn’t about loyalty to a name or a faction—it’s about who can produce results for a base that’s hungry for action.
On Tuesday night, Paxton took to Fox News’ The Ingraham Angle to announce his Senate candidacy, igniting what promises to be a fierce contest. “It’s time for a change in Texas,” Paxton declared, tipping his hat to Sen. Ted Cruz while taking aim at Cornyn. “It’s time that we have another great senator that will actually stand up and fight for Republican values, fight for the values of the people of Texas and also support Donald Trump in the areas that he’s focused on in a very significant way.” For Paxton, a staunch ally of Trump and a standard-bearer for the MAGA movement, this race is about ensuring Texas sends a warrior to Washington who won’t bend to establishment pressures.
Paxton’s announcement comes on the heels of Cornyn’s own campaign launch, as the four-term senator seeks a fifth term in 2026. Cornyn, a fixture in Texas politics since his election in 2002, has positioned himself as a reliable vote for Trump’s agenda, with his campaign touting a 95% alignment with the president’s priorities. But for many conservatives, reliability isn’t enough. They want a senator who doesn’t just vote the right way but fights tooth and nail against a Democrat machine they see as undermining American values. Paxton’s entry signals a growing sentiment: the GOP base is done with business-as-usual Republicans.
The stakes couldn’t be higher. Veteran Republican strategist Dave Carney, a longtime adviser to Gov. Greg Abbott, told Fox News, “It sets the table for the most expensive primary in Texas. It will be a brutal battle.” Carney’s prediction extends beyond the Senate race, noting that Paxton’s decision to run “opens up the attorney general’s race. There will probably be a very competitive primary for that and we’re going to have a lot of musical chairs down ballot.” This ripple effect highlights the seismic shift Paxton’s candidacy could trigger within Texas’ Republican ranks.
Cornyn’s camp isn’t taking the challenge lightly. In a blistering social media post following Paxton’s announcement, his campaign pulled no punches: “Ken Paxton is a fraud. He talks tough on crime and then lets crooked progressive Lina Hidalgo off the hook. He says his impeachment trial was a sham but he didn’t contest the facts in legal filings which will cost the state millions.” The post went further, accusing Paxton of hypocrisy on issues like “woke” policies and personal integrity, alleging he “uses fake Uber accounts to meet his girlfriend and deceive his family.” It’s a sign that this primary will be as personal as it is ideological.
For conservatives frustrated with the status quo, the clash between Paxton and Cornyn represents a choice between two visions of the GOP. Cornyn’s team argues he’s a “battle-tested conservative” who can navigate the Senate’s complexities without falling prey to Democratic traps. They point to his experience and Trump’s recent endorsements as proof he’s the steady hand Texas needs. But Paxton’s supporters see Cornyn as emblematic of a GOP that’s too cozy with Washington’s elite—a senator who’s been in office too long to feel the urgency of the moment.
Paxton, by contrast, has built his brand on unrelenting confrontation. Since taking office as Texas’ attorney general in 2015, he’s been a lightning rod for controversy and a hero to the conservative base. His legal battles against the Biden administration and his defiance in the face of personal scandals have only cemented his reputation as a fighter. In September 2023, he didn’t mince words about Cornyn: “I can’t think of a single thing he’s accomplished for our state or even for the country. Somebody needs to step up and run against this guy.” For Paxton, that somebody is himself.
The primary’s intensity is already drawing comparisons to a heavyweight boxing match. Matt Mackowiak, a seasoned Republican strategist based in Texas and D.C., told Fox News, “This is going to be the most expensive, nastiest, most aggressive, most personal U.S. Senate primary in Texas history.” He added, “You have two candidates who are going to raise significant funds, who are in significant positions, who do not like each other and have not liked each other, whose teams do not like each other and the stakes could not be higher.” For conservatives, this isn’t just a race—it’s a referendum on what the GOP should be.
Paxton’s critiques of Cornyn aren’t new. He’s long accused the senator of being a “RINO”—a Republican in name only—pointing to Cornyn’s initial opposition to Trump in 2016 and his support for a bipartisan gun control bill after the 2022 Uvalde school shooting. That bill, which drew ire from Second Amendment advocates, remains a sore point for conservatives who view any compromise as betrayal. Paxton’s ability to tap into this frustration gives him an edge with the grassroots, but it’s not clear if that will translate into the fundraising needed to topple a well-funded incumbent.
Cornyn, for his part, has the backing of the Senate GOP’s top brass. Majority Leader John Thune and NRSC chair Sen. Tim Scott have reportedly urged Trump to endorse Cornyn, recognizing the senator’s institutional clout. Since Trump’s return to the White House, Cornyn has aligned himself closely with the president’s agenda, from Cabinet picks to policy priorities. His campaign video last month emphasized his loyalty during Trump’s first term, with the announcer proclaiming, “Texas Sen. John Cornyn had his back.” But loyalty alone may not satisfy a base craving disruption over decorum.
Adding another layer to the race is the potential candidacy of Rep. Wesley Hunt, a rising MAGA star from Houston. At 43, Hunt brings youth and charisma to the table, positioning himself as a unifying figure who could bridge the party’s factions. Sources confirm Hunt has pitched himself to Trump’s team as the only candidate capable of winning both the primary and the general election. With an outside group already spending millions to boost his profile across Texas, Hunt’s entry could turn a two-man race into a three-way brawl, further complicating Cornyn’s path.
The financial toll of this primary is a growing concern for GOP operatives. Some estimate the battle could cost upwards of $100 million, draining resources from other critical races. Mackowiak noted that Paxton’s early announcement suggests he’s aware of the fundraising challenge: “This says two things. One, Paxton sees an opportunity. And two, him getting in this early shows he needs the maximum time possible to try to raise money.” For a party focused on retaking the Senate and holding the House, a costly Texas primary could be a distraction it can’t afford.
Paxton’s appeal lies in his willingness to take the fight to the left, no matter the cost. His 2020 attempt to challenge Biden’s election victory in Texas vs. Pennsylvania and his presence at the January 6 Trump rally made him a national figure in the MAGA movement. Yet, his legal troubles—securities fraud charges, FBI investigations, and a 2023 impeachment—have dogged him for years. Though he’s been cleared of federal corruption charges and acquitted in the state Senate, these episodes provide ample ammunition for Cornyn’s campaign to paint Paxton as a liability.
For conservatives, the choice isn’t just about Paxton versus Cornyn—it’s about what kind of GOP they want. Do they stick with a seasoned senator who knows the Senate’s inner workings, or do they bet on a firebrand who thrives on shaking things up? Trump’s influence looms large, and his endorsement could tip the scales. While Paxton is a favorite among the base, Cornyn’s team argues he’s the safer bet to keep the seat red in a general election against a Democrat like former Rep. Colin Allred, who’s mulling a 2026 run.
The conservative movement is watching closely. From border security to economic policy, Texans want a senator who’ll deliver tangible wins, not just talking points. Paxton’s combative style resonates with those who see Washington as a swamp in need of draining, but Cornyn’s defenders argue his experience ensures Texas’ voice carries weight in the Senate. Hunt, meanwhile, could emerge as a wildcard, appealing to voters who want a fresh face without Paxton’s baggage.
As the primary takes shape, one thing is clear: conservatives aren’t interested in settling for mediocrity. They want a GOP that fights as hard as they do—whether it’s Paxton’s bare-knuckle brawling, Cornyn’s calculated strategy, or Hunt’s potential to bridge the divide. The Texas Senate race will test whether the party can channel its energy into results or get bogged down in infighting. For everyday Americans, the outcome will signal whether the GOP is ready to lead with conviction.
Whoever emerges victorious will face a general election where Texas’ Republican dominance is no guarantee. Democrats are eyeing the seat, and Allred’s near-upset of Cruz in 2024 shows they’re not to be underestimated. But for now, the focus is on the primary—a battle that will define not just Texas’ future but the soul of the Republican Party. Conservatives are ready for a fighter who’ll deliver, and they’re watching to see who steps up.
Stay tuned to the DC Daily Journal.
