Punchbowl News: “Get ready for a blockbuster primary between Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in 2026.
During a wide-ranging interview in Punchbowl News’ D.C. office on Monday, Paxton gave the clearest signs yet that he’s planning to challenge Cornyn in what could be one of the most expensive Senate primaries in history.
Cornyn, a decades-long fixture in conservative politics, who nearly became Senate GOP leader, would face a formidable opponent in Paxton, a 62-year-old MAGA loyalist who’s popular with the Texas Republican base.
“I think I can win if I have $20 million,” Paxton said, referring to his fundraising target for a possible primary challenge. “I’ve run these primaries in Texas before. I honestly don’t see how [Cornyn] overcomes his numbers.””