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## Ken Paxton – Texas Senate Primary Victory & 2026 Senate Control Race ### Overview Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, backed by President Donald Trump, defeated incumbent Senator John Cornyn in the Texas Republican Senate primary run-off in May 2026, setting up a November general election with significant implications for US Senate control (Al Jazeera, May 27). ### Key Events - Paxton defeated Cornyn in the Republican primary run-off, ending the long-serving senator's career (Al Jazeera, May 27). - Trump's endorsement of Paxton was reportedly a decisive factor in the race (Al Jazeera, May 27). - The November 2026 general election in Texas may determine which party controls the US Senate (Al Jazeera, May 27). ### Background on Key Figures - **Ken Paxton**: Texas Attorney General; survived an impeachment attempt by the Texas House in 2023; known for high-profile litigation against federal government policies, tech companies, and election integrity challenges. - **John Cornyn**: Long-serving Republican senator and former Senate Majority Whip; considered a mainstream Republican institutionalist. ### Strategic Significance Texas has traditionally been a safe Republican Senate seat. Paxton's primary victory signals a further shift toward Trump-aligned candidates within the GOP, potentially affecting Senate composition and legislative priorities including AI regulation, energy policy, and judicial confirmations. ### Legal Profile Paxton carries significant legal baggage, including ongoing federal investigations and a prior impeachment process. His candidacy will likely face legal scrutiny and opposition research. His track record as AG includes major antitrust actions against Google and Meta, and challenges to federal agency rulemaking. ### Outlook The Texas Senate race will be closely watched as a bellwether for Trump's influence over Republican primaries and as a potential pivot point for Senate majority control heading into the 2026 midterm cycle.