Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has defeated incumbent U.S. Senator John Cornyn in a closely watched Republican primary runoff, marking a major political shift in one of the party’s most powerful Senate seats.
The Associated Press and multiple major outlets called the race after Paxton secured a decisive lead over Cornyn, ending the veteran senator’s decades-long tenure in Washington.
Cornyn, who has served in the Senate since 2002 and previously held leadership roles within the Republican caucus, conceded the race and pledged to support the party’s nominee in the general election.
Paxton, a long-time ally of former President Donald Trump, campaigned on a strongly conservative platform and positioned himself as the candidate of the party’s grassroots wing.
Trump endorsed Paxton shortly before the runoff, a move widely seen as influential in mobilizing Republican primary voters.
The race was defined by sharp ideological divisions within the Texas Republican Party. Cornyn, a more traditional establishment figure, emphasized experience and legislative record.
Paxton, by contrast, criticized what he called Washington insiders and framed his campaign around opposition to federal oversight and support for state-level authority.
According to election results, Paxton won by a wide margin, reflecting strong support among conservative primary voters.
Analysts noted that turnout patterns and late endorsements played a key role in shaping the outcome.
The contest also became one of the most expensive Senate primaries in U.S. history, with tens of millions of dollars spent on advertising and campaign operations by both sides.
The race drew national attention due to its implications for control of the U.S. Senate, where Republicans currently hold a narrow majority.
Paxton now advances to the general election, where he is expected to face Texas state Representative James Talarico, a Democrat and rising figure in his party.
Democrats see the matchup as an opportunity to compete in a state that has remained reliably Republican in federal elections for decades.
Cornyn’s defeat marks one of the most significant primary upsets in recent Texas political history and underscores the continued influence of Trump within Republican primary contests.
The general election campaign is expected to be highly competitive and closely watched nationally as both parties compete for control of the Senate.