Republicans are freaking out over Texas Senate race

Politico

by By Liz Crampton, Jordain Carney, Samuel Benson, Alex Gangitano and Adam Wren

February 26, 2026

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Republicans are growing increasingly worried that a bitter intraparty battle in Texas could cost them a critical Senate seat ahead of the November election. With just days until the primary, Sen. John Cornyn faces a strong challenge from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who is gaining momentum despite national efforts to undermine him. If Cornyn loses, Republicans fear they may be forced to divert hundreds of millions of dollars intended for other key battleground races, putting their Senate majority at risk. The race has become a high-stakes contest, with over $100 million spent on TV ads so far. Cornyn and his allies have launched aggressive attacks against Paxton, highlighting issues like his messy divorce and corruption allegations in an attempt to weaken him ahead of the general election. However, these efforts seem to be falling flat, as Paxton continues to gain support from grassroots voters and conservative-aligned groups. insiders suggest that Paxton is likely to emerge victorious in the primary, potentially avoiding a runoff altogether. The stakes are high for both parties. If Paxton wins and goes on to defeat the Democratic nominee in November, it would solidify Republican control of the Senate. But if Cornyn prevails, he could better position the party to defend its majority in key battleground states like Georgia, North Carolina, and Michigan. National Republicans warn that meddling in Texas' primary race could backfire, leaving the party vulnerable in the general election. This race matters because it highlights the challenges of intraparty divisions and the potential long-term consequences for Senate control. If Republicans lose the Texas seat, it could signal a broader shift in the political landscape, particularly as Democrats look to capitalize on any weaknesses within the GOP. The outcome will also set a precedent for how national leaders handle similar contests in the future, making this race a key indicator of the party's strength heading into the 2024 election cycle.

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Originally published on Politico on 2/26/2026