Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton to Primary Challenge Senator John Cornyn
Paxton Challenges Cornyn in Texas Senate Race
In a significant political development, Ken Paxton, the current Attorney General of Texas, has declared his candidacy for the U.S. Senate, setting the stage for a contentious primary against incumbent Senator John Cornyn. Cornyn, a fixture in Texas politics, has represented the state in the Senate since 2002. Paxton, who has been the state’s attorney general since 2015, made his announcement on Laura Ingraham’s Fox News program, emphasizing the need for fresh leadership that embodies staunch Republican principles.
“I’m announcing that I’m running for U.S. Senate against John Cornyn, who apparently is running again for his fifth term, which would put him there three decades. It’s definitely time for a change in Texas,” Paxton stated. He further highlighted the necessity of having senators who not only advocate for the values of Texans but also align closely with former President Donald Trump’s agenda.
Response from Cornyn’s Camp
Senator Cornyn’s team quickly responded to Paxton’s challenge. A post from the X account Team Cornyn labeled Paxton as a “fraud” and defended Cornyn’s robust conservative track record, particularly his alignment with President Trump’s policies. “During his first term, John Cornyn voted with President Trump more than 95% of current Senators, securing the votes for his biggest accomplishments as his Whip,” the post noted. It also emphasized the need for a “battle-tested conservative” to counteract Democratic efforts against Trump and to effectively navigate the challenges posed by figures like Chuck Schumer in the Senate.
The post also attacked Paxton’s credibility, citing various controversies including his impeachment trial and accusations of misusing taxpayer money. “Ken Paxton is a fraud. He talks tough on crime and then lets crooked progressive Lina Hidalgo off the hook,” it stated, concluding that the upcoming campaign would be vigorous and provide Texans with a clear choice.
Paxton’s Political and Legal Controversies
|
Paxton’s tenure as attorney general has been marred by legal challenges. He was impeached by the Texas House of Representatives in 2023 on corruption charges, although he was later acquitted in the Texas State Senate. Additionally, he was involved in a legal settlement that included a significant restitution payment related to securities fraud charges from 2015.
Early Polling Data
Despite the controversies, early polling data from Texas Public Opinion Research suggests that Paxton holds a 10-point lead over Cornyn. This early lead indicates a potentially dynamic and unpredictable primary race ahead.
No Comments