Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has won the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate after defeating longtime incumbent Senator John Cornyn in a heated primary contest.
The divisive primary battle saw Paxton receive President Trump’s backing as he mounted his challenge against Cornyn’s bid for reelection. The contentious fight between the two Republicans resulted in campaign spending exceeding $100 million.
Paxton, who has faced controversy during his tenure as the state’s top prosecutor, will now advance to face Democratic nominee James Talarico, a state representative, in the November general election.
The primary victory represents a significant upset, with Paxton successfully ousting a sitting senator who had held the seat for multiple terms. The race highlighted divisions within the Texas Republican Party and demonstrated Trump’s continued influence in GOP primaries.
