Paxton Snubs Trump–Stays In!

March 6, 2026

Texas AG Ken Paxton defiantly vows to stay in the Senate runoff race against establishment RINO John Cornyn, even if President Trump endorses his rival, prioritizing the will of Texas conservatives over D.C. insiders.

Story Snapshot

Paxton declares independence from Trump endorsement, insisting he owes it to Texas people to fight on.
March 3 primary forces May 26 runoff after neither secures majority; Paxton strong with conservative base.
Cornyn attacks Paxton as scandal-plagued liability; Paxton dismisses him as “Fake John Cornyn.”
Trump’s potential nod could swing race by 10 points, but Paxton claims victory path without it.

Paxton’s Defiant Stand Post-Primary

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced on March 4, 2026, his unwavering commitment to the U.S. Senate Republican primary runoff against incumbent Senator John Cornyn. Following the March 3 primary where neither candidate achieved a majority, both advanced to the May 26 contest. Paxton stated he can secure victory without President Trump’s endorsement, emphasizing his duty to Texas voters frustrated with long-term establishment figures. This stance underscores Paxton’s appeal to the hardline conservative wing seeking genuine change in Washington.

Deep Roots of the GOP Factional Clash

Paxton’s challenge traces back to April 2025 when he launched his bid against Cornyn, who has held the Senate seat for over 22 years. The rivalry highlights Texas GOP divisions: Paxton’s Trump-aligned, anti-establishment faction versus Cornyn’s business-oriented, seniority-focused group. Paxton’s 2023 impeachment acquittal on bribery charges bolstered his resilience, mirroring his 2022 primary success despite scandals. Polls showed Paxton leading among strong conservatives at 62% approval, compared to Cornyn’s 45%.

Texas primaries feature low turnout dominated by committed conservatives, setting the stage for Paxton’s base mobilization. Early surveys from UH Hobby School and UT Austin indicated Paxton edging Cornyn slightly in voter consideration. This intra-party battle tests whether grassroots patriots can overcome D.C. entrenched interests backed by superior fundraising, with Cornyn holding $4.1 million pre-primary.

Stakesholders and Bitter Rivalry

President Donald Trump emerges as the pivotal figure, with his endorsement potentially shifting polls by 10 points. Strategists predict a pragmatic choice favoring Cornyn to preserve resources for battleground states, citing Paxton’s legal baggage. Cornyn, seeking a fifth term, touts his record delivering Trump priorities like tax cuts and judges, while branding Paxton a “self-centered fraud” amid ongoing scandals and personal issues. Paxton counters by vowing persistence, calling Cornyn “Fake John Cornyn” for shifts on Ukraine aid and gun negotiations.

The tense dynamic reveals power struggles within the party. Paxton draws social conservatives demanding production over tenure; Cornyn relies on leadership roles and donor networks. Third-place finisher Rep. Wesley Hunt split votes, enabling the runoff. Democrats like Matt Angle view the infighting as a boon, anticipating weakened GOP nominees nationwide.

“I’M STAYING IN THIS RACE” — Texas AG Ken Paxton Vows Not to Drop Senate Bid Even if Trump Endorses RINO John Cornyn: ‘I Owe it to the People of Texas’https://t.co/ibMUZUTDSr

— Trevor Gough (@treego14) March 5, 2026

High Stakes for Texas and National GOP

The runoff promises a $100 million ad blitz, diverting funds from key battlegrounds like Michigan and North Carolina. Short-term, it weakens the eventual nominee; long-term, a Paxton win signals hardliner dominance in the nation’s largest red state, reshaping Senate leadership. Conservatives see Paxton as the standard-bearer against establishment complacency that enabled past fiscal mismanagement and globalist drifts.

Texas Republicans confront a defining choice: loyalty to Trumpism’s bold edge or seasoned navigation in D.C. Social conservatives rally behind Paxton’s defiance, while business moderates back Cornyn’s stability. This bellwether race influences 2026 midterms, testing President Trump’s party control amid vows to restore American priorities free from RINO influences.