Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has officially announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate race challenging incumbent Senator John Cornyn in next year’s midterm elections. The contest between these two Republican titans is expected to be one of the most heated and expensive Republican primaries in recent history, marking a struggle between the Texas GOP’s hardline, socially conservative wing and the Cornyn-aligned, business-minded Republican old guard.
Paxton, a close ally of former President Donald Trump, criticized Cornyn’s lack of production during his 22 years in the Senate and pledged to stand up for Republican values and the people of Texas if elected. Facing an uphill battle, Paxton hopes to garner support from conservative voters in Texas who have expressed approval of his performance as Attorney General.
Despite facing legal challenges and impeachment within the past few years, Paxton’s candidacy poses a significant threat to Cornyn’s political career. The race is expected to be highly competitive, as early polling shows a close race between the two candidates. Cornyn, who has easily fended off competition from the right in the past, now faces criticism over his support for military aid to Ukraine and skepticism about Trump’s electability.
As the race heats up, the looming question remains whether Trump will endorse either candidate and influence the outcome of the primary. With both candidates vying for the support of conservative voters in Texas, the race between Paxton and Cornyn is sure to be closely watched as it unfolds in the coming months.
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