TPUSA endorses Ken Paxton in contentious Texas Senate primary

The incumbent has long been regarded as a moderate and supporter of former Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.

By Ben Whedon

Published: February 9, 2026 4:48pm

Turning Point USA has endorsed Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in the state's Senate GOP primary, backing his effort to oust Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas.

The Texas Tribune first reported the endorsement. Paxton is running against Cornyn and Rep. Wesley Hunt, R-Texas. The incumbent has long been regarded as a moderate and supporter of former Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.

TPUSA has increasingly weighed into primary contests, with the aim of removing GOP lawmakers it deems insufficiently in line with President Donald Trump.

After Indiana Republicans declined to redraw their congressional maps, for instance, the organization vowed to back challengers to every state Republican that opposed such a move.

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