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Paxton forces Cornyn into Texas GOP Senate runoff after CPAC triumph

A grassroots uprising propels Paxton past Cornyn, turning a near-downfall into a high-stakes Senate showdown. Who will Texas Republicans choose?

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The image shows a group of people standing in front of a crowd of people, some of whom are raising...
The image shows a group of people standing in front of a crowd of people, some of whom are raising their hands in celebration. On the table in the center of the image, there is a board with text on it, a microphone with a stand, and flags. Behind the people, there are curtains, suggesting that the scene is taking place in a formal setting. The text on the board reads "Ontario Premier Doug Ford and his supporters at a campaign event in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, on Tuesday, October 29, 2019".

Paxton forces Cornyn into Texas GOP Senate runoff after CPAC triumph

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has forced a runoff against Senator John Cornyn in the state's 2026 GOP Senate primary. Neither candidate secured enough votes on March 3 to win outright, setting the stage for a fierce battle between the Trump-aligned Paxton and the establishment-backed Cornyn. The race has exposed deep divisions within the Republican Party, with grassroots conservatives rallying behind Paxton after his impeachment acquittal and recent high-profile endorsements. Paxton's momentum became undeniable at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) on March 28. As the unofficial guest of honour, he delivered a keynote address, met with supporters, and hosted a private reception. The crowd repeatedly cheered his name while booing any mention of Cornyn, who was branded a 'coward' by Paxton for refusing to back the SAVE Act.

The CPAC straw poll and official endorsement went to Paxton, reinforcing his status as the preferred candidate among right-wing activists. Hundreds hailed him as the clear choice for Senate, drawn to his framing of himself and Trump as victims of political persecution. His resilience since his 2023 impeachment—bolstered by backing from Trump allies like Rep. Burlison and Steve Bannon—has transformed his career, turning a near-downfall into a grassroots-driven revival.

Cornyn, meanwhile, shifted his stance on the filibuster after Paxton's criticism, a move seen by some as a defensive reaction to the surging challenger. The runoff now pits Paxton's populist energy against Cornyn's long-held establishment support, with the primary's outcome hinging on which faction turns out in greater numbers. The runoff will decide whether Texas Republicans embrace Paxton's combative, Trump-aligned approach or stick with Cornyn's more traditional conservatism. Early signs suggest Paxton's grassroots backing and CPAC triumph have given him a strong advantage. The result will likely shape the party's direction in the state for years to come.

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