Paxton named Republican Senate candidate in Texas

2026-05-27

MAGA faction wins

Ken Paxton, 63, an ally of President Donald Trump, won a runoff on May 26 to decide the Republican nominee for the U.S. Senate race in Texas. He will face Democrat James Talarico, 37, in the November general election.

U.S. media outlets broadly reported Paxton's victory. In the runoff, Paxton, who serves as Texas attorney general, faced moderate Sen. John Cornyn, 74.

Trump had expressed support for Paxton on May 19. In the Republican Party, candidates backed by Trump have also won primaries in Kentucky and elsewhere, underscoring his continued clout within the party.

Hardliner with scandals

Paxton has strong backing from the MAGA wing. As state attorney general, he has taken a hard line in lawsuits against Democratic administrations and technology companies. Trump also called him 'a true MAGA warrior'.

At the same time, Paxton has faced multiple scandals. According to The New York Times, he was previously indicted for securities fraud and was accused of an affair last year by his estranged wife, a state lawmaker with whom he had been married for 38 years.

Cornyn has highlighted his record of serving four six-year terms, or 24 years, in the Senate and has criticized Paxton's troubles. In the March primary, Cornyn won 42.5% of the vote and Paxton 40.8%, leaving Cornyn narrowly ahead at the time.

Set to face Democratic candidate Talarico

Paxton will face Talarico, the Democratic newcomer, in the November Senate race. Talarico built momentum by defeating a nationally known U.S. House member in the March primary.

Talarico argues that 'the real fight is top versus bottom' and puts reducing inequality at the forefront of his campaign. He is also actively using social media to broaden support among younger voters. As a devout Christian, he is also seeking to win over conservatives, including Republicans.

According to Politico, a poll conducted by Republicans before the primary showed that if Paxton faced Talarico, the GOP would likely lose the seat. Paxton, who has many enemies within his own party, is expected to struggle against Talarico, who is appealing for bipartisan support.

Shifting map in a conservative state

Texas has long been regarded as a strong Republican base, and the party has held the state's Senate seat since 1993. In recent years, however, the population mix has changed, and in 2022 the Hispanic population exceeded 40% and overtook whites for the first time. Inflows from the Democratic strongholds of the East Coast and West Coast have also continued.

Along with these changes, the presence of distinctive candidates has made the Texas Senate race one of the most closely watched districts even in the midterm elections. The focus is whether the state can become a swing state whose outcome shifts from election to election.

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