Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton defeated four-term U.S. Sen. John Cornyn in the Republican Senate primary, securing a major political victory. Paxton was endorsed by President Donald Trump. Political analysts say Trump’s support played a decisive role in the race, despite Cornyn voting with Trump more than 90 percent of the time during his Senate career.
Insiders say Republican candidates now need to fully embrace the MAGA movement to earn Trump’s backing — something Paxton has done consistently. Paxton has served as Texas attorney general since 2015 and has drawn criticism from LGBTQ advocates for a consistently Anti-LGBTQ+ Record. After the U.S. Supreme Court’s Obergefell v. Hodges ruling legalized same-sex marriage nationwide, Paxton advised Texas county clerks they could refuse marriage licenses to same-sex couples on religious grounds.
Paxton has also targeted transgender rights. He repeatedly sought medical records for transgender youth in Texas, Georgia, and Washington while pushing restrictions on gender-affirming care. His political career has also been marked by controversy, including impeachment efforts over alleged abuse of office, accusations involving campaign donors, and a highly publicized separation from his wife, state Senator Angela Paxton. Paxton will face Democratic candidate James Talarico, an outspoken LGBTQ rights supporter, in the November 3 general election.
