Both candidates for the March 2026 primary come out swinging as the early jockeying for one of the top political prizes in Texas gets under way.

A supercharged U.S. Senate GOP primary in Texas between Sen. John Cornyn and state Attorney General Ken Paxton is off to a fast start of personal attacks and expectations of a high-spending race.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s decision to challenge Sen. John Cornyn sets up what’s likely to be a bitter and expensive Republican primary – and a battle for President Donald Trump’s endorsement.