Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has officially announced his candidacy for the United States Senate, setting the stage for what could become one of the most closely watched primary battles in the 2026 election cycle.
Paxton, a prominent conservative figure in Texas politics, confirmed his intention to challenge incumbent Republican Senator John Cornyn, whose term ends in early 2027. In his campaign launch, Paxton positioned himself as a staunch ally of former President Donald Trump and pledged to advance a more aggressive conservative agenda in Washington.
“I’m running to defend Texas values and to fight for the people who are tired of career politicians compromising our freedoms,” Paxton declared during his announcement.
The decision follows years of speculation about Paxton’s political ambitions beyond the attorney general’s office, where he has served since 2015. Known for his frequent legal challenges against the federal government—particularly during the Biden administration—Paxton has built a strong base among grassroots conservatives and pro-Trump voters.
His campaign is expected to focus heavily on issues such as border security, gun rights, religious freedom, and opposition to what he describes as federal government overreach. He also emphasized his intent to push back against what he called “unelected bureaucrats” and “woke policies” coming out of Washington.
Senator Cornyn, who has not yet announced whether he will seek re-election, has played a more establishment role within the GOP, occasionally diverging from the party’s most populist wing. Paxton’s challenge is widely viewed as a test of how deeply Trump’s influence continues to shape Republican primaries.
Paxton’s announcement comes despite ongoing legal battles, including a securities fraud case and an impeachment trial in the Texas Senate last year, which ended in acquittal. His supporters argue these issues have only solidified his standing as a fighter against political persecution, while critics question his fitness for higher office.
With the Texas primary still months away, the Senate race is expected to draw national attention, large fundraising efforts, and possibly additional challengers from within the GOP and Democratic Party. For now, Paxton’s entrance into the race has reshaped the political landscape in Texas and signaled a brewing showdown over the future direction of the Republican Party in the state and beyond.