Texas Senate primary, notably disrupted by Attorney General Paxton's divorce, saw Senator Cornyn securing more funds in the initial quarter compared to Paxton.
The 2026 Texas Senate primary elections are already generating significant interest, with prominent candidates emerging on both sides of the political spectrum.
On the Democratic side, well-known contenders include Colin Allred, Beto O’Rourke, Joaquin Castro, and James Talarico.
Colin Allred, a former NFL linebacker and three-term U.S. Representative from Dallas, has previously challenged Ted Cruz and lost by 8.5 points. Allred promises to fight for Texas families, focusing on economic issues such as Texans working harder for less and missing time with their loved ones due to financial strain. He also criticises Republican incumbents like John Cornyn and Ken Paxton for being "too corrupt to care" and "too weak to fight for us."
Beto O’Rourke, a former El Paso congressman and statewide campaign veteran, is known for advocating progressive policies and grassroots organizing. However, he carries political baggage from previous statewide losses. Joaquin Castro, a longtime U.S. Representative from San Antonio, is likely to emphasise his legislative experience and advocacy for social justice. James Talarico, a state representative from Austin, is seen as a rising star in the party and could focus on education and youth issues.
On the Republican side, incumbent U.S. Senator John Cornyn, currently in his fourth term, is a strong contender. He is likely to highlight his seniority, experience, and record on criminal justice, border security, and Second Amendment rights. Ken Paxton, the Texas Attorney General, is also in the running. Paxton is a staunch ally of former President Trump, but is embroiled in legal and political controversies. He is known for his hardline conservative stances on immigration, election integrity, and opposition to federal overreach. The primary battle between Cornyn and Paxton is expected to be bitter, with a focus on loyalty to Trump and party purity.
The race is expected to be highly competitive, with both primaries drawing significant attention and resources. Democrats are aiming to make Texas competitive at the statewide level, while Republicans face an internal battle over the party’s direction.
Notable developments in the race include Cornyn's campaign being confident they will have sufficient resources to communicate about his conservative record and highlight Paxton's office mismanagement, ethical failures, and funding of left-wing groups with taxpayer grants. Paxton announced his $2.9 million fundraising total on Friday, while Rep. Wesley Hunt, a Houston-area congressman and Trump ally, may join the race. Hunt is more closely aligned with Trump than Cornyn but lacks Paxton's political baggage, including his impeachment in 2023.
The state court has ordered records in Paxton's divorce to be sealed, potentially sparing him from addressing embarrassing details during his campaign. Paxton was also accused of having an extramarital affair with a woman hired by a real estate developer.
In conclusion, the Texas Senate primary elections are shaping up to be a significant event, with both parties gearing up for a fierce battle. The race is expected to be highly competitive, with Democrats aiming to make Texas competitive at the statewide level, while Republicans face an internal battle over the party’s direction.
In the 2026 Texas Senate primary elections, the Democratic contest includes Colin Allred, who criticizes Republican incumbents for being too corrupt to care and weak to fight for Texans, while on the Republican side, John Cornyn and Ken Paxton are preparing for a bitter primary battle, focusing on loyalty to Trump and party purity. Furthermore, policy-and-legislation and general-news outlets are expected to cover these significant primary elections extensively due to their importance in shaping the political landscape of Texas and beyond.
