Texas Republican Senator John Cornyn has lost his primary election in a closely watched and highly contentious runoff battle against state Attorney General Ken Paxton.The race, which had been tightening for weeks, was officially called shortly after 9 p.m.on Tuesday by CNN and the Associated Press, confirming Paxton’s victory over the longtime incumbent.

Cornyn, a senior GOP figure known for his extensive fundraising network and long tenure in the Senate, had increasingly faced criticism from segments of Texas Republican voters who believed he was not sufficiently aligned with former President Donald Trump’s political agenda, despite his generally consistent voting record in support of Republican priorities.

Ken Paxton, who has served as Texas Attorney General, entered the race as a polarizing figure due to a series of legal and ethical controversies that have followed him throughout his political career.

Despite these scandals, Paxton maintained strong support among the party’s more hardline conservative base, positioning himself as a more aggressive advocate for Trump-aligned policies and cultural issues.

The contest between the two Republicans became one of the most intense intraparty battles in Texas politics, reflecting broader divisions within the GOP between establishment figures and populist challengers.

A late-stage endorsement from Donald Trump played a significant role in solidifying Paxton’s momentum, after the former president had reportedly considered backing Cornyn earlier in the race.

With the primary concluded, Paxton is now set to advance to the general election, where he will face Democratic nominee James Talarico, a state lawmaker and Presbyterian seminarian.

The upcoming general election is expected to be closely watched as a key indicator of shifting political dynamics in Texas ahead of the 2026 midterms.