At a Glance
- John Cornyn faces his toughest primary challenge since 2002.
- Ken Paxton is the most conservative challenger, backed by 107 lawsuits and an impeachment trial.
- The Democratic field includes Jasmine Crockett and James Talarico.
- Why it matters: The seat could tip control of the U.S. Senate.
The Texas Senate race is heating up as the incumbent faces a crowded field of challengers, while Democrats look to break a decades-long losing streak. With the balance of power in Washington at stake, every primary vote could reshape the nation’s political landscape.
Incumbent John Cornyn
John Cornyn was first elected in 2002 and now defends a record that critics say is not conservative enough. He counters by highlighting his support for President Trump’s policies, claiming he voted for them 99.3% of the time.
John Cornyn stated:
> “I voted for his policies 99.3% of the time. I think there’s a lot of impressions, misimpression that people have because I have been in the Senate a while that somehow I’m not supporting President Trump. But the truth is I have and I continue to support the President and his policies in the Congress.”
He also faces criticism for passing gun-safety legislation after the 2022 Uvalde shooting, which added background checks for buyers under 21 and cracked down on straw purchases. He maintains that the law protects students without infringing on rights.
John Cornyn said:
> “No parent should ever have to send their child to school worried whether they’re going to be safe, and no child should have to go to school wondering whether they could be safe. And what we tried to respond to was exactly that, without encroaching on the rights of law-abiding gun owners, of which I am one.”
At 74, he touts his experience and relationships that secured billions for Texas border security under the One Big Beautiful Bill.
John Cornyn added:
> “You don’t develop those relationships overnight or as a new member of the Senate. I think it’s a privilege to serve in this position, and I’ll do it as long as the voters will have me.”
Ken Paxton
Ken Paxton frames himself as the most conservative candidate, citing 107 lawsuits against the Biden administration and a federal corruption investigation. He embraces his impeachment as a political attack rather than a fault.
Ken Paxton said:
> “I’ll never forget sitting in trial for an impeachment that was an alignment of forces from the Biden administration, some very moderate Republicans, including Karl Rove and the Bush team, and realizing that I’m sitting on the sidelines with no money.”
Wesley Hunt
Wesley Hunt positions himself as an outsider, a West Point graduate and former Apache helicopter pilot, calling for generational change in the Senate. He aims to prevent a fifth term for Cornyn and praises Paxton while questioning his electability.
Wesley Hunt remarked:
> “Look, I am somebody that’s proven that I can win the primary and also I am already outperforming both of these gentlemen in the general election and everybody knows it.”
Jasmine Crockett
Jasmine Crockett entered the race on the last day of filing, known for viral moments and authenticity. She has a background as a public defender, civil-rights attorney, and former state representative.
Jasmine Crockett said:
> “I don’t feel like I need to pretend to be perfect. I don’t feel like I need to pretend to be anybody else.”
She acknowledges that her viral moments often eclipse her policy work and plans to emphasize substantive issues during the primary.
James Talarico
James Talarico launched his campaign in September, blending progressive politics with Christian faith. He gained attention for opposing a Ten Commandments bill and appeared on the Joe Rogan Experience, where he discussed faith and democracy.
James Talarico stated:
> “We told the two commandments that Jesus gave us, to love God and to love neighbor.”
Key Takeaways
- John Cornyn’s record and experience are central to his campaign.
- Ken Paxton’s legal battles and impeachment shape his narrative.
- The Democratic field’s authenticity and progressive faith bring new dynamics to the race.
The Texas Senate race promises to be a pivotal contest that could influence the national balance of power in the U.S. Senate.
