Matthew and Eleanor are joined by Tribune D.C. reporter Gabby Birenbaum and radio host Chad Hasty to unpack the three candidates vying to be the Republican nominee for Senate in 2026.
John Cornyn
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
Rep. Wesley Hunt pitches himself as a younger Ken Paxton in U.S. Senate primary bid
Hunt, 43, said his entry into the race to defeat U.S. Sen. John Cornyn guarantees that a “conservative warrior” will be Texas’ next senator — and that only he and Paxton fit the bill.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
Cornyn heads into fall with big cash advantage over GOP primary challengers Paxton, Hunt
Texas’ senior senator outraised his foes across his campaign operation, though some of the money is ineligible to be transferred to his main account.
Posted in
Politics
As energy finds Texas young conservatives, U.S. Senate hopefuls make their pitch
U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and U.S. Rep. Wesley Hunt are finding ways onto stages in front of young conservatives galvanized by Charlie Kirk’s killing.
Posted in
Politics
Paxton sides with Texas GOP, against secretary of state in lawsuit seeking to close primaries
Secretary of State Jane Nelson said in a filing that Paxton’s office gave her less than an hour’s warning that they’d be siding against her agency in court.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
GOP Rep. Wesley Hunt announces run for U.S. Senate, joining Cornyn, Paxton in primary
The Houston congressman is giving up his safe seat after just two terms, scrambling the contest between incumbent Sen. John Cornyn and Attorney General Ken Paxton.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
Cornyn nabs endorsements from 15 former GOP members of Congress in primary vs. Paxton
It’s a further sign of how the Washington establishment has consolidated behind the senior Texas senator, who is being backed by the Senate GOP’s campaign arm in his primary.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
Democratic voters favor undeclared candidates O’Rourke and Crockett in hypothetical Senate primary, poll finds
The survey found many Texas voters are either undecided or would support candidates who haven’t actually entered the race. It also showed GOP Sen. John Cornyn leading Attorney General Ken Paxton.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
Democratic voters favor undeclared candidates O’Rourke and Crockett in hypothetical Senate primary, poll finds
The survey found many Texas voters are either undecided or would support candidates who haven’t actually entered the race. It also showed GOP Sen. John Cornyn leading Attorney General Ken Paxton.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
Texas Rep. James Talarico to launch Democratic primary bid for U.S. Senate
The Austin Democrat has made a name for himself with his viral social media presence. His entry to the race pits him against former U.S. Rep. Colin Allred in the increasingly crowded primary.
