Sen. John Cornyn Launches 2026 Reelection Campaign
Sen. John Cornyn on Wednesday launched his 2026 reelection campaign with a video touting his relationship with President Donald Trump.
“In President Trump’s first term I was Republican whip, delivering the votes for his biggest wins,” Cornyn says in the video. “Now I’m running for reelection and asking for your support, so President Trump and I can pick up where we left off.”
Cornyn, who last year ran unsuccessfully to replace Kentucky Republican Mitch McConnell as Republican leader, is seeking his fifth term in the Senate. He’s expected to have a rare, major challenge in the 2026 Republican primary, with Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton already exploring a campaign against him. Other GOP Senate candidates could emerge, including U.S. Reps. Beth Van Duyne of Irving and Wesley Hunt of Houston.
Cornyn’s Announcement and Paxton’s Response
Paxton on Wednesday responded to Cornyn’s announcement with a question.
“Are you delusional?” Paxton asked in an X post. “You’ve constantly turned your back on Texans and President Trump, including trying to stop his campaign in 2024 and saying his “time has passed him by.”
(Jose Luis Magana / AP)
Paxton added that “Texans won’t believe your lies or forget how you’ve consistently worked to undermine the President.”
Cornyn’s Background and Experience
A former Texas Supreme Court Justice and attorney general, Cornyn is one of the most successful electoral politicians in Texas history. In the 2020 general election against Democrat MJ Hegar, Cornyn received more votes than any non-judicial candidate in Texas history.
The longtime incumbent could have problems, however, in a GOP primary that includes the party’s most strident conservative activists who have criticized him for not being conservative enough. In 2022, delegates at the Houston convention booed him because of his role in a bipartisan Senate compromise on gun safety. At last year’s convention, Cornyn didn’t address the general session but mingled with delegates at the convention center and dropped in on some caucus meetings.
(Tony Gutierrez / AP)
Trump’s Role in the Primary
Trump could be a pivotal figure in the primary, and Cornyn is trying to showcase his alliance with the president and leader to the GOP. Paxton has long had strong ties with Trump.
In his video, Cornyn, 73, criticized Democrats for being against Trump’s policies, including border security.
“President Trump needs a partner who’s battle tested to restore law and order, cut taxes and spending and take back our jobs and supply chains,” Cornyn said in the video. “The Radical Left thinks they can flip Texas blue, stop President Trump and reverse the America First agenda. But Texans have a message for them. Come and take it.”
Conclusion
The 2026 Republican primary for the Senate seat in Texas is shaping up to be a highly competitive and contentious race. With Cornyn seeking his fifth term and Paxton already exploring a campaign against him, the stage is set for a showdown between two prominent Republican figures in the state. The role of President Trump and his policies will likely play a significant factor in the primary, and Cornyn is trying to capitalize on his relationship with the president to win over voters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who is running for the Senate seat in Texas in 2026?
A: Sen. John Cornyn is seeking his fifth term, and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is exploring a campaign against him. Other GOP Senate candidates could emerge, including U.S. Reps. Beth Van Duyne of Irving and Wesley Hunt of Houston.
Q: What is the significance of President Trump’s role in the primary?
A: President Trump could be a pivotal figure in the primary, and Cornyn is trying to showcase his alliance with the president and leader to the GOP. Paxton has long had strong ties with Trump.
Q: What are the key issues in the primary?
A: The key issues in the primary include border security, taxes, spending, and job creation. Cornyn has criticized Democrats for being against Trump’s policies, including border security, and has emphasized the need to restore law and order and cut taxes and spending.
