Texas Senator faces potential primary challenge from Attorney General Ken Paxton
U.S. Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) has officially put speculation to rest about his political future, announcing his bid for re-election with a campaign launch video on Wednesday morning. The two-minute video highlights his tenure as Senate GOP whip during former President Donald Trump’s first term, emphasizing his role in passing key Republican policies, including the 2017 tax cuts and Supreme Court confirmations.
“In President Trump’s first term, he made America great,” the video’s voiceover states. “And Texas Sen. John Cornyn had his back.”
Cornyn himself appears in the video, reinforcing his loyalty to Trump and the Republican agenda:
“It’s an honor to represent Texas in the U.S. Senate. In President Trump’s first term, I was the Republican caucus whip, delivering the votes for his biggest wins.”
Campaign Themes: Border Security, Inflation, and Biden Criticism
Cornyn’s re-election pitch focuses on a return to Trump-era policies, positioning himself as a reliable partner for the former president. His video takes direct aim at the Biden administration, criticizing its handling of border security, energy policies, and what he calls the "weaponization of the Justice Department."
“We can’t go backwards to inflation, crime, and DEI,” Cornyn states, echoing Republican criticisms of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. “President Trump needs a partner who’s battle-tested to restore law and order, cut taxes and spending, and take back our jobs and supply chains.”
He ends with a challenge to Democrats, who see Texas as a potential battleground state: “The radical left thinks they can flip Texas blue, stop President Trump, and reverse the America First agenda. But Texans have a message for them: come and take it.”
Paxton Looms as a Potential Challenger
Cornyn’s announcement comes amid growing speculation that Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton will enter the race. Paxton, who survived an impeachment trial last year and was re-elected as attorney general with Trump’s endorsement, has indicated he is “nearing an official bid” for the Senate seat. If he enters, it could set up a fierce primary battle, as both men would compete for Trump’s backing.
Trump’s endorsement could be the defining factor in the race. Cornyn secured Trump’s support in 2020, but the political landscape has since shifted. While Cornyn has a long record of service, he has also faced criticism from the Texas GOP’s conservative wing, even being booed at the state party’s 2022 convention. Paxton, on the other hand, has cultivated strong support from the MAGA base and received Trump’s endorsement in his 2022 attorney general race.
Cornyn’s Fundraising Strength and Establishment Support
Despite potential challenges, Cornyn enters the race as a formidable fundraiser. Over his Senate career, he has raised more than $400 million for himself and his Republican colleagues. His campaign had $4.1 million in cash on hand at the end of 2024, a solid starting point for what could become an expensive primary fight.
Cornyn also has establishment support. Senate Minority Whip John Thune (R-SD), who narrowly defeated Cornyn in the race to succeed Mitch McConnell as the Senate GOP leader, endorsed his re-election bid immediately after the announcement. Other potential challengers, such as Rep. Ronny Jackson (R-TX-13) and Rep. Wesley Hunt (R-TX-38), have been floated, but Paxton’s entrance could clear the field of other competitors.
Bridging the GOP Divide
Cornyn has been working to rebuild relationships within the Texas GOP, particularly after facing backlash from grassroots conservatives. He has engaged with state party leadership, including Chairman Abraham George, whom Cornyn invited as his guest to President Trump’s recent address to Congress.
As the primary field takes shape, Cornyn’s challenge will be navigating the divide between Trump’s loyalists and the broader Republican base while proving he remains a key ally for the former president’s return to the White House. Whether Trump ultimately endorses Cornyn, Paxton, or another candidate remains one of the most significant questions of the 2024 Texas Senate race.
