Cornyn: Democrat winning Senate race in Texas would be ‘first crack in the red wall’
The Hill
by Julia MuellerFebruary 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Republican Sen. John Cornyn has issued a stark warning about the potential shift in Texas politics, stating that a Democrat winning his Senate seat would mark "the first crack in the red wall." Speaking during a recent interview, Cornyn expressed concern over the highly competitive GOP primary race in Texas, which he claims could leave the door open for Democratic candidates to succeed. He emphasized that both leading Democratic contenders—James Talarico and Rep. Jasmine Crockett—possess the potential to win, signaling a pivotal moment in the state's political landscape.
Texas, traditionally a stronghold for Republicans, has been trending increasingly competitive in recent years. The state flipped from Mitt Romney to Joe Biden in 2020, and Democrats now see an opportunity to make gains in what was once considered a reliably red state. Cornyn's comments reflect broader concerns among GOP leaders about the growing political shift in Texas, particularly as the party
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Originally published on The Hill on 2/24/2026