Texas Republicans Vote in Senate Runoff Between Cornyn and Paxton

Texans voted Tuesday in a Republican primary runoff for U.S. Senate between four-term incumbent Sen. John Cornyn and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. The contest has drawn national attention after President Trump endorsed Paxton and described him as a true MAGA Warrior.

Voters across the Dallas area cited the endorsement when explaining their support for Paxton. Several said alignment with the president would benefit the state. Cornyn warned that a Paxton victory would trigger a large influx of Democratic spending in the general election.

The runoff is part of a series of Texas primary contests held the same day. Other races include contests involving Democratic incumbents. Paxton has portrayed Cornyn as part of an older Republican establishment out of step with the party base on immigration and spending. Cornyn has highlighted his Senate experience and argued that Paxton’s legal record could hurt Republicans in November.

“Texans can be pretty independent.”

Rapid population growth in Dallas suburbs has increased the number of Republican voters shaping the party’s direction.