Texas U.S. Senate Republican Primary Runoff

Why this race matters

This runoff decides the Republican nominee for one of the country’s most watched Senate races. John Cornyn, a four-term senator and former party whip, represents the traditional GOP establishment—deep ties in Washington, major fundraising, and a record of cutting deals. Ken Paxton, the sitting attorney general, has built a national profile by suing the Biden administration and aligning with the party’s populist wing. Neither cleared 50% on March 3, so Texas Republicans now choose between continuity and confrontation. The winner faces Democrat James Talarico in November; the nominee could also shape how competitive the general election looks and how national money flows into the state.