Cornyn, Paxton advance to runoff in Texas GOP Senate clash
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U.S. Sen. John Cornyn (left) and Attorney General Ken Paxton. Photo: Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images (left) and Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images (right)
U.S. Sen. John Cornyn and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton are headed to a runoff after neither Republican cleared the majority threshold Tuesday, setting up a bruising fight for the GOP Senate nomination.
- Rep. Wesley Hunt (R-Texas) lags far behind.
Why it matters: A runoff extends one of the most consequential primaries in the country and sets up a bruising fight for the GOP Senate nomination.
- The drawn-out battle could deepen party division and drain resources ahead of the general election.
- President Trump has so far declined to endorse a candidate in the race.
The latest: With 87% of counties reporting as of 10:30pm, Cornyn has received about 43.1% of the vote, Paxton 40% and Hunt 13.2%. The AP has determined that Paxton and Cornyn will make a runoff.
What they're saying: While addressing reporters in Austin on Tuesday evening, Cornyn called Paxton a "flawed, self-centered and shameless candidate," adding that runoff voters will learn more about Paxton's "indefensible personal behavior and failures in office."
- Paxton predicts he'll beat Cornyn by over 30 points in the runoff, telling supporters: "We are not going to go quietly, and we are not going to let you buy this seat."
Zoom in: Cornyn and his Republican supporters have argued that Paxton could cost the party the election in November because of his legal and ethical baggage, which includes an impeachment trial, federal investigations and accusations of infidelity from his ex-wife, state Sen. Angela Paxton, who filed for divorce last year.
- Meanwhile Paxton has painted the four-term Cornyn as an out-of-touch career politician.
Flashback: At a closed door briefing last month, Brendan Jaspers, the National Republican Senatorial Committee's political director, shared polling showing Cornyn would comfortably win a general election in Texas if he emerges from a contested primary.
- But trying to get Paxton across the line could cost hundreds of millions of dollars, he said.
Follow the money: The race has already set a record as the most expensive Senate primary in U.S. history, with over $110 million in ad spending, per data by AdImpact.
- Outside groups account for 70% of all spending in the race.
- Ahead of the final weeks of the race, Cornyn's campaign had over $4.9 million in cash on hand and Paxton's campaign had over $3.9 million, per mid-February federal campaign filings.
What's next: Early voting for the May 26 runoff will begin May 18.