Inside the Nasty Primary That Could Topple a Veteran Senator

John Cornyn has served in the Senate for nearly two decades. He might not even make a runoff to compete for a fifth term.

Sen John Cornyn campaigning in Austin, Texas, on Feb. 17

Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, with former Texas Gov. Rick Perry, left, speaks during a campaign stop in Austin, Texas, Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026. Eric Gay/AP

HOUSTON, TEXAS — Longtime Texas Sen. John Cornyn is in the fight of his political life to win a fifth term. He is facing two conservative primary challengers in a race that has become personal and contentious, and is a proxy for the future of the Republican Party in the Lone Star state.

Cornyn is facing an uphill climb to make it to a runoff, fending off challenges from his longtime Texas rival, Attorney General Ken Paxton, and Rep. Wesley Hunt, a newcomer who entered the race late, but has a fighting chance.

Cornyn might not even make it to the next step.