Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced a challenge to longtime GOP Senator John Cornyn in what is poised to become a tense Republican primary race next year.

Newsweek reached out to Paxton’s office via phone Tuesday night and left a voicemail.

Why It Matters

Cornyn is a well-established incumbent in the Lone Star State, as Paxton has historically aligned himself with President Donald Trump.

Paxton’s campaign website highlights his allegiance to Trump: “Ken Paxton has always been a loyal supporter of President Trump and a staunch supporter of the America First movement. Both President Trump and Ken Paxton have been targeted in politically motivated witch hunts because there’s nothing that scares the establishment more than courageous conservatives who never back down from standing up for the American people.”

“In Washington, Ken Paxton will champion President Trump’s legislative priorities, including cutting taxes, securing the border and deporting illegal aliens, ending the weaponization of government, and draining the Swamp,” the website noted.

The showdown in Texas between Cornyn and Paxton could also create a fiercely competitive race in the Republican stronghold.

What To Know

Paxton made his formal announcement on Fox News with Laura Ingraham and shared a clip from The Ingraham Angle to his account on X, formerly Twitter.

He posted, “It’s official. I’m running for U.S. Senate to fight for President Trump’s agenda and take a sledgehammer to the D.C. establishment.”

In polling last month, Paxton was the clear front-runner over Cornyn.

Paxton has faced fierce legal setbacks in recent years, including an impeachment vote by the Texas House, but was later acquitted following a public trial.

Paxton’s campaign website seemingly highlights his bouts with the courts, saying, “They tried to take him down. Now, he’s taking a sledgehammer to the D.C. Establishment.”

What People Are Saying

Cornyn’s spokesperson said, in a statement posted to X by Texan News senior reporter Brad Johnson on Tuesday: “During his first term John Cornyn voted with President Trump more than 95% of current Senators, securing the votes for his biggest accomplishments as his Whip. Democrats are trying to destroy President Trump, and he and Texas need a battle-tested conservative who knows how to protect his agenda in the Senate and won’t be outsmarted by [Senate Minority Leader] Chuck Schumer.

“Ken Paxton is a fraud. He talks tough on crime and then lets crooked progressive Lina Hidalgo off the hook. He says his impeachment trial was a sham but he didn’t contest the facts in legal filings which will cost the state millions. He says he’s anti-woke but he funnels millions of taxpayer dollars to lawyers who celebrate DEI. And Ken claims to be a man of faith but uses fake Uber accounts to meet his girlfriend and deceive his family. This will be a spirited campaign and we assure Texans they will have a real choice when this race is over.”

Paxton reacting to Cornyn’s statement on X: “Our campaign only responds to serious candidates who aren’t 25 points down in the polls.”

What Happens Next

It is immediately unknown who would challenge either Cornyn or Paxton on the Democratic ticket. Former Representative Colin Allred previously told The Dallas Morning News he’s considering a second run after his failed attempt against Republican Senator Ted Cruz.

Update 4/8/25, 8:36 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.