Cornyn Fights To Hold Texas Senate Seat As Democrats Choose Challenger
Primary features Cornyn vs. Paxton and Hunt, Democrats Crockett vs. Talarico, possible May 26 runoff, extended Democratic polling after precinct confusion.
CBS NewsPolls closing in today's primaries in Texas, North Carolina and Arkansas
RedStateLIVE: Election Results - Texas Primary
The GuardianFight between Texas Republicans for US Senate seat leaves party on edge
NBC NewsGOP Sen. John Cornyn fights for political survival as Democrats choose their path in Texas
Overview
Vote counting is underway in Texas's primary where Sen. John Cornyn faces Ken Paxton and Rep. Wesley Hunt and Democrats Jasmine Crockett and James Talarico contest their party's Senate nomination.
The outcome could shape the November Senate contest and trigger a May 26 runoff if no candidate wins a majority in the GOP primary.
Republican leaders have warned that a Paxton nomination could imperil the seat, and Cornyn and allied groups have spent roughly $64 million to $78.5 million on television ads, according to reports.
Talarico and allied groups have spent $25.3 million while Crockett and outside backers have spent $5.3 million, and some voters reported being turned away amid precinct confusion, officials said.
A judge ordered Democratic primary polls to remain open until 9 p.m. local time after voter confusion, and results will affect races reshaped by mid-decade redistricting urged by President Donald Trump.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame the Texas primary as a nationalized, high-stakes contest by emphasizing Trump’s role and redistricting conflict. They use evaluative language (“high-stakes,” “spearheaded the redistricting wars”), highlight endorsements and scandal (Gonzales’ alleged relationship), and downplay local policy debates, privileging national political narratives.
FAQ
A May 26 runoff is almost certain to occur because the Texas Republican primary features three major candidates—Cornyn, Paxton, and Hunt—making it unlikely any candidate will win an outright majority on March 3.[1] The runoff will determine the Republican nominee who will face the Democratic winner in November's general election, which carries national significance as Republicans are defending numerous Senate seats in 2026.[2]
The Republican establishment has mounted a massive campaign with roughly $64-$78.5 million spent on Cornyn's behalf because they believe a Paxton candidacy would endanger the party's control of the Capitol.[1] Senior GOP figures, including Senate Majority Leader John Thune, worry that Paxton's political baggage could jeopardize the seat in the general election, particularly in a midterm year where Democrats are energized to vote.[2]
Wesley Hunt is a 44-year-old U.S. Representative from Houston's 38th Congressional District, an eight-year U.S. Army veteran, and former loan officer who has served in Congress since 2022.[1] He joined the race in October as an alternative to both Cornyn and Paxton, positioning himself as a younger candidate without political baggage who could carry President Trump's agenda.[2] He entered despite national party leaders urging him not to, saying the next generation of Republicans should not wait their turn for leadership opportunities.[3]
