By Rosemary
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton took center stage at the Conservative Political Action Conference, where a gathering of conservative activists signaled strong support for his bid to unseat longtime U.S. Senator John Cornyn in a closely watched Republican runoff.
Throughout the multi-day event near Dallas, Paxton was treated as the standout figure among attendees. He held private meetings with supporters, delivered a keynote address at a high-profile dinner honoring Ronald Reagan, and engaged with crowds during a reception where admirers queued for handshakes and photographs. His appearances were met with sustained applause, while mentions of Cornyn frequently drew jeers from the audience.
The enthusiastic reception underscored Paxton’s deep connection with the Republican Party’s grassroots base, a support network that has played a pivotal role in sustaining his political career. That backing proved critical during his impeachment trial in the Texas Legislature several years ago, when he was ultimately acquitted of corruption-related charges. Reflecting on that period, Paxton credited both faith and voters for his political survival, drawing a strong emotional response from supporters during his speech.
Neither Paxton nor Cornyn secured enough votes in the March primary election to clinch the nomination outright, setting up a runoff contest scheduled for May 26. While Cornyn has leveraged significant fundraising advantages and enjoys support from party leadership in Washington, Paxton’s enduring appeal among conservative activists has reshaped the dynamics of the race.
The stakes extend beyond the Republican primary. The eventual nominee is expected to face Democratic state lawmaker James Talarico in a general election that could play a key role in determining control of Congress.
Cornyn’s absence from the conference stood in stark contrast to Paxton’s dominance. In a straw poll conducted among attendees, Paxton secured an overwhelming victory, earning more than three times the support of his rival and capturing the organization’s endorsement.
Despite weeks of anticipation, Donald Trump has yet to announce an endorsement in the race. Nevertheless, Paxton has worked to align himself closely with Trump’s policy priorities, particularly on election-related legislation. He has championed a proposal known as the SAVE Act, which would impose stricter proof-of-citizenship requirements for voting—an initiative strongly backed by Trump but stalled in the Senate.
Paxton used the issue to challenge Cornyn directly, accusing the senator of lacking resolve and even suggesting he might reconsider his candidacy if the legislation were passed. Soon after, Cornyn signaled a shift in his stance on Senate procedural rules, indicating a willingness to support changes that could advance such measures.
At the conference, Paxton portrayed this reversal as evidence of his influence, telling supporters that his criticism had forced Cornyn to act. Cornyn’s campaign, however, pushed back, emphasizing that the senator had been an original co-sponsor of the legislation and accusing Paxton of misrepresenting the facts.
Among attendees, Paxton’s aggressive approach was widely praised. Supporters described his strategy as politically savvy, arguing that Cornyn’s policy adjustments came too late to resonate with voters seeking a more hardline conservative voice.
Prominent conservative figures also rallied behind Paxton during the event. Steve Bannon, a former adviser to Trump, characterized him as a leading figure within the broader “Make America Great Again” movement, reinforcing his standing among the party’s most loyal activists.
The divide between the two candidates reflects broader tensions within the Republican Party, as some voters continue to express frustration with Cornyn’s past positions. Critics point to his earlier skepticism toward Trump’s proposed border wall, his involvement in bipartisan gun legislation following the 2022 school shooting in Uvalde, and comments perceived as dismissive of Trump’s political resurgence.
Even some longtime Cornyn supporters now appear uncertain. Voters at the conference acknowledged his experience and years of public service but questioned whether it was time for new leadership. Others were more direct, arguing that his decades-long career in public office signaled a need for change.
As the runoff approaches, the contest has evolved into a test of influence between the Republican establishment and its energized grassroots base. With both candidates intensifying their efforts, the outcome is expected to shape not only the party’s direction in Texas but also its broader strategy heading into a pivotal election season.
Original article
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