John Cornyn trails behind Ken Paxton in 2026 primary race

In the United States, Senator John Cornyn, a Republican from Texas, is experiencing significant challenges regarding his reelection prospects for 2026. A poll conducted by UpOne Insights on May 27 and 28, surveying 600 Republican primary voters, indicated a striking 22-point deficit for Cornyn against the Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. The poll revealed that Paxton has garnered 50 percent support among primary voters, while Cornyn has only 28 percent, highlighting a concerning trend for the incumbent senator, who has served in the Senate since 2002 and is currently 73 years old. This troubling polling information follows another recent poll that also showed Cornyn trailing Paxton by 16 points, with percentages recorded at 56 percent for Paxton against 40 percent for Cornyn. In that previous survey, Paxton led the primary race with 44 percent, compared to Cornyn's 34 percent, while another candidate, Hunt, received 19 percent of the vote. The combination of these polls reveals that Cornyn's support has severely dwindled, raising questions about his chances in the upcoming primary. Analysts attribute some of Cornyn's struggles to his recent political stances, including his support for a Democratic-led gun control bill and his involvement in immigration legislation, which has not resonated well with Texas voters. Many observers believe these decisions have caused him to appear out of touch with the values of his constituents, which traditionally lean conservative. Critics argue that backing such legislation is particularly unwise for a Republican senator representing Texas, a state known for its staunch opposition to gun control measures. As Cornyn's support continues to erode, there are growing speculations that he may be urged to retire rather than face the potential embarrassment of a primary loss. Should these trends persist, the pressure from party affiliates and constituents alike could become overwhelming, potentially ending his lengthy political career. The overall takeaway from these developments is that unless there is a significant turnaround in support, Cornyn may find himself reconsidering his campaign strategies or stepping aside entirely in the face of strong opposition from within his own party.