DALLAS (AP) — Four-term Texas Republican Senator John Cornyn is navigating a high-stakes primary battle that could redefine his political future in a party reshaped by former President Donald Trump.
Cornyn, 73, recently spoke at a campaign event near the U.S.-Mexico border wall, praising Trump for securing federal funding for Texas’ wall projects. Yet he avoided the fiery rhetoric on immigration that has become a hallmark of Trump-aligned Republicans, signaling a measured approach in contrast to his challengers.
The senator faces competition from two prominent Republicans who embrace Trump’s MAGA movement: Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and U.S. Representative Wesley Hunt. Both challengers leverage populist messaging and combative styles, appealing to primary voters seeking a more aggressive approach.
Cornyn, a former Texas Supreme Court justice, has cultivated a reputation as a calm, deliberate lawmaker, emphasizing experience and legislative effectiveness. “We’ve got enough performance artists here in Washington,” he told The Associated Press. “People think serving in the world’s most distinguished representative body qualifies them if they are loud and active on social media. That’s not me.”
A Potential Runoff Looms
Paxton, who survived a 2023 impeachment trial and legal battles over corruption and securities fraud, entered the Senate race in April. He frames his challenges as political persecution and accuses Cornyn of being disconnected from Texas voters. Hunt, a two-term House member, emphasizes his early support for Trump’s 2024 campaign and positions himself as a rising GOP figure.
The three-way race increases the likelihood of a runoff, as no candidate may reach the 50% threshold in the March 3 primary. The eventual Republican nominee will face the winner of the Democratic primary, currently contested by Representatives Jasmine Crockett and James Talarico.
Challenges for an Established Statesman
Cornyn and aligned super PACs have invested over $30 million in advertising since last summer, mostly targeting his opponents. Senate Republican leaders see Cornyn as a safer general election candidate than Paxton, but the primary reflects broader changes within the GOP.
“Cornyn has always been a distinguished statesman,” said Wayne Hamilton, former Texas GOP executive director. “But today, candidates are expected to be loud and combative, and that’s not him.”
Some voters view Cornyn as too moderate or inconsistent in his conservative record, citing disagreements on issues including gun legislation. He faced backlash from GOP activists after negotiating a bipartisan gun bill following the 2022 Uvalde school shooting, and earlier criticisms of Trump during the 2016 campaign have been cited by opponents.
Cornyn has worked to align with Trump on key issues, highlighting his support for the former president’s Supreme Court nominees and border security funding. Yet political analysts note a generational and ideological shift within Texas Republicans. “Cornyn is an old George W. Bush Republican, which today is a liability in a party dominated by Trump-style politics,” said veteran Republican consultant Vinny Minchillo.
No Trump Endorsement Yet
Unlike many Texas Republicans, Cornyn has not received a public endorsement from Trump, leaving him among a small group of incumbent GOP senators without Trump’s backing. Cornyn acknowledges he does not seek constant attention and hopes voters focus on his record of results rather than performative politics.
“Sometimes people make the distinction between a workhorse and a show horse,” Cornyn said. “I’m happy to be a workhorse.”
As the March primary approaches, Cornyn’s campaign will test whether experience and legislative achievement remain persuasive in a party increasingly driven by loyalty to Trump and aggressive messaging.
