Paxton holds decisive lead ahead of Senate runoff: Poll

The elimination of Rep. Wesley Hunt, R-Texas, from the contest, appears to have largely benefited Paxton.

By Ben Whedon

Published: May 7, 2026 4:01pm

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton appears to have a clear lead heading into the Republican Senate primary runoff against Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, a recent survey has revealed.

Paxton led with 47% support among likely voters in the latest Remington Research Group survey. Cornyn trailed with 36% while 17% were undecided.

The survey also found that Paxton enjoyed stronger favorability rankings among Texas Republican primary likely voters, with 51% holding a favorable view of him and 30% viewing him unfavorably. Cornyn, by contrast, had a 34% favorability and 45% unfavorable rating.

The runoff is set for May 26. Cornyn emerged narrowly ahead in the original contest, but fell short of the threshold to avoid a runoff. The elimination of Rep. Wesley Hunt, R-Texas, from the contest, appears to have largely benefited Paxton.

Conducted May 3-5, the survey questioned 1,810 likely voters and has a margin of error of +/- 2.6%.

Ben Whedon is the Chief Political Correspondent at Just the News. Follow him on X.