Ken Paxton leads longtime Sen. John Cornyn in the Texas Republican Senate primary, according to a new poll. These results underscore Cornyn’s troubles with GOP voters.
An Echelon Insights poll shows Paxton ahead 42% to 37%, reflecting his growing support among Trump-aligned Republicans.
The poll shows Paxton with a 63% favorability rating, compared to Cornyn’s 51%.
“The recent poll indicating Paxton leading Cornyn by five points in the Texas GOP Senate primary reflects Paxton’s strong appeal among Trump loyalists, bolstered by his 2023 impeachment acquittal and alignment with MAGA priorities,” political analyst Craig Agranoff told Newsweek.
Cornyn faces ongoing challenges linked to past controversies.
As previously reported by The Dallas Express, a 2016 video shows Cornyn accepting an award from LULAC, a left-leaning group.
Cornyn praised it as “one of those rare organizations that tries to find common bonds to unite people behind a common cause.”
He also drew criticism for negotiating the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, a gun control package that drew boos at the Texas GOP convention.
Despite Paxton’s advantage, Agranoff noted that the race remains unsettled, with 21% of voters still undecided.
“Cornyn could turn GOP voters by emphasizing his role in bipartisan legislation like gun safety reforms and Ukraine aid, while spotlighting Paxton’s ongoing securities fraud trial and recent divorce to question his stability. Securing a neutral stance or endorsement from President Trump, who remains undecided, would also help Cornyn close the gap,” Agranoff said.
The Dallas Express contacted Cornyn’s office for comment but received no response.