What's happened
Voters in Texas began early voting for key Senate primaries on March 3, with incumbent John Cornyn facing strong challenges from pro-Trump candidates Ken Paxton and Wesley Hunt. Polls show Paxton leading, but the race remains competitive, with potential runoffs and significant campaign spending shaping the outcome.
What's behind the headline?
The Texas Senate primary exemplifies the ongoing struggle within the Republican Party between traditional conservatives and the MAGA faction. Paxton’s aggressive campaign, despite legal baggage, reflects the strength of Trump’s influence in deep-red Texas. Cornyn’s vulnerability signals a broader shift in GOP dynamics, where loyalty to Trump increasingly determines electoral success. The race’s potential to go to a runoff will drain resources and could impact the party’s overall Senate prospects. The Democratic side views Paxton’s possible victory as an opening, intensifying the primary’s importance. This contest foreshadows a broader national trend: intra-party divisions and Trump’s enduring sway will shape upcoming elections, with the outcome in Texas serving as a bellwether for GOP cohesion and electoral viability.
What the papers say
The Independent highlights the race’s significance, noting Trump’s non-endorsement and the intra-party battle. AP News emphasizes Paxton’s intensified campaign efforts and polling leads, while also noting the legal controversies surrounding him. The NY Post provides polling data and discusses the broader implications for GOP strategy, including the influence of Trump’s MAGA movement. These sources collectively underscore the race’s importance as a test of Trump’s continued influence and intra-party loyalty, with potential consequences for the November elections.
How we got here
The Texas Senate primary is highly contentious, driven by intra-party divisions over loyalty to Donald Trump and the MAGA movement. Incumbent John Cornyn faces challenges from Ken Paxton, the state attorney general, and Wesley Hunt, amid broader national debates about Trump’s influence on the Republican Party. Early voting and polling indicate a tight race, with significant campaign spending and intra-party attacks shaping the contest.
Go deeper
Common question
-
Who Is Leading in the Texas GOP Primary and What Does It Mean?
The Texas GOP primary race is heating up, with recent polls showing Ken Paxton in the lead amid a crowded field that includes John Cornyn and Wesley Hunt. As early voting begins, many are wondering how the outcome could impact not just Texas politics but the broader national scene. In this page, we'll explore who is leading, what the key issues are, and how intra-party conflicts might shape the race and future elections.
-
What Are the Biggest News Stories Today?
Stay updated with the latest headlines shaping politics, legal battles, and social issues. From tight primary races to landmark court cases and health crises, these stories are influencing lives across the globe. Curious about how these events connect and what they mean for you? Read on for clear, concise answers to your top questions.
-
Who Are the Main Candidates in the Texas GOP Primary?
The Texas GOP primary is heating up as early voting begins, with several key candidates vying for the nomination. Understanding who the main contenders are, their campaign strategies, and the issues at play can help voters and observers make sense of this competitive race. Below, we explore the leading candidates, the controversies surrounding them, and what polls indicate about their chances.
-
What Are the Main Issues Shaping Politics in 2026?
In 2026, political campaigns are heavily influenced by a mix of legal challenges, international tensions, and internal party struggles. Voters and observers are curious about the key issues driving candidates and shaping the election landscape. From legal scandals to global diplomacy, understanding these factors is crucial for anyone following current politics. Below, we explore the most pressing questions about the political climate this year.
-
What Do Current Election Polls Say About Key Races in 2026?
With early voting underway in several states, many voters and political enthusiasts are eager to understand what the latest polls reveal about the upcoming elections. From the Texas GOP primary to national races, polling data offers a snapshot of voter sentiment, candidate standings, and potential outcomes. But how reliable are these polls, and what regional differences should you be aware of? Below, we answer the most common questions about election polls and voter sentiment in 2026.
-
How Are Legal Issues Affecting Candidates Like Ken Paxton?
Legal scandals and ongoing court battles are increasingly shaping political campaigns today. Candidates like Ken Paxton are facing scrutiny that could influence voter opinions and campaign strategies. But how exactly do these legal issues impact their chances? Below, we explore the effects of legal troubles on political campaigns and what it means for voters and party dynamics.
More on these topics
-
Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
-
John Cornyn III is an American politician and attorney serving as the senior United States Senator for Texas since 2002. He was the Republican Senate Majority Whip for the 114th and 115th Congresses.
-
Warren Kenneth Paxton Jr. is an American lawyer and politician who has served as the Attorney General of Texas since January 2015. Paxton is a Tea Party conservative. He previously served as Texas State Senator for the 8th district and the Texas State Rep
-
Susan Margaret Collins is an American politician serving as the senior United States Senator from Maine. A Republican, Collins has served in the Senate since 1997.
Born in Caribou, Maine, Collins is a graduate of St. Lawrence University.
-
Timothy Eugene Scott is an American politician and businessman serving as the junior United States Senator from South Carolina since 2013.
-
Roy Asberry Cooper III is an American politician and attorney who has served as the 75th Governor of North Carolina since January 1, 2017.
-
Jasmine Felicia Crockett is an American attorney and politician serving as a member of the Texas House of Representatives from the 100th district. Elected in July 2020, she assumed office in January 2021.
-
Texas is a state in the South Central Region of the United States. It is the second largest U.S. state by both area and population.