Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton steamrolled four-term Sen. John Cornyn in Tuesday’s Republican primary runoff, grabbing about 63 percent of the vote and clearing the way for one of the most combative Senate races the state has seen in years.
Paxton turned his fire on the Democratic nominee soon after he emerged as the winner.
In his victory speech, he labeled state Rep. James Talarico the “most extreme radical” the Democrats have ever put forward.
He mocked Talarico’s plant-based eating habits and tossed out the nickname that’s already spreading online: “Low-T Talarico.”
Talarico Fires Back With Corruption Accusations
The attacks landed exactly as expected. A few minutes after the results came in, Talarico fired back hard.
“Ken Paxton is the most corrupt politician in America,” he said. “He embodies the broken system we’re running against. It’s time to come together: The People vs. Ken Paxton.”
The matchup sets up a clear clash of styles and messages. Paxton, a longtime Trump ally who survived an impeachment trial and multiple legal fights, pitched himself as a fighter for lower costs on housing, groceries, and health care.
He told supporters that Texas remains a top target for the national left and vowed not to let it fall.
Talarico, an eighth-generation Texan and former public school teacher, is running as a populist outsider.
He has raised serious money by hammering Paxton’s ethics troubles and positioning the race as a battle between working families and powerful insiders.
Cornyn Concedes After Runoff Defeat
Tuesday’s runoff ended months of ugly Republican infighting. Cornyn, who led the first round of voting in March but failed to clear 50 percent, conceded quickly.
He said he respects the voters’ choice and will back the full Republican ticket in November.
“I’ve always supported the Republican ticket, and I intend to do so this general election,” Cornyn said. “I’ve said throughout this race that I trust the voters of Texas, and they’ve made their decision, and I must respect it.”
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Paxton’s win came with a big assist from President Trump’s last-minute endorsement. That backing helped overcome Cornyn’s advantages in money and establishment support.
With most counties reporting, Paxton led by more than 25 points in a race that drew heavy turnout for a runoff.
Texas hasn’t sent a Democrat to the U.S. Senate since 1994. Most election forecasters still see it as a Republican stronghold.
Polls Show Tightening Texas Senate Race
But recent polls have given Democrats genuine hope. Surveys from the spring showed Talarico essentially tied with Paxton or even ahead in some head-to-head matchups. On average, polls had Talarico up by a point or two.
The numbers reflect unease in the suburbs of Dallas, Houston, and Austin. Some Republican voters appear uneasy about Paxton’s baggage, from his impeachment over allegations of abuse of power to the ongoing legal issues he has denied.
Turnout problems among the GOP base could also hurt in a midterm environment. The issue of cost of living, especially gas prices, could also play a role in the coming midterm elections.
Democrats see an opening to nationalize the race by marketing and selling it around corruption and cost-of-living struggles.
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On the other hand, Republicans plan to paint Talarico as out of step with Texas values, pointing to his past comments on social issues and calling him too liberal for the state.
Paxton’s team is already testing sharper personal lines. At recent rallies, supporters shouted suggestions like “Tofu Talarico” and worse.
The strategy is to keep the focus on culture and personality to energize the base and discourage moderate crossover votes.
Talarico’s side intends to maintain the offensive, as they believe Paxton’s record provides ample material on ethics, women’s issues, and whether he can deliver real relief on kitchen-table problems.
Both campaigns expect massive outside spending, as the seat matters for control of the Senate.
Early signs suggest this could become one of the most expensive races in Texas history.
