U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, Attorney General Ken Paxton, and U.S. Rep. Wesley Hunt/Photos by U.S. Senate, Texas Attorney General’s Office, and U.S. House of Representatives

Three major Republican contenders are seeking to represent Texans in the U.S. Senate next year.

Incumbent Sen. John Cornyn is seeking re-election to his seat in 2026. Cornyn, a former Texas Attorney General, is seeking his fifth term in the U.S. Senate. A moderate Republican, Cornyn has faced criticism for siding with Democrats to broker a few major legislative deals. However, he has retained support among Senate Republicans, holding several leadership positions during his time in office.

Cornyn’s first announced primary challenger is Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. Paxton, who has served as Attorney General since 2015, has gained broad popularity among conservatives since defeating his impeachment by the Texas House in 2023.

In addition to Paxton, U.S. Rep. Wesley Hunt is also running against Cornyn in the primary. Hunt, a rising-star for Republicans, represents a Houston-area district in the U.S. House. Hunt is a military veteran and a second term congressman.

Early polling in the race showed Paxton leading Cornyn by a large percentage, but his lead has been reduced somewhat over recent months. Recent polling data is not yet available for a three-way race that also involves Hunt.

Whoever wins this primary will be set to face the winner of the also highly competitive Democratic primary. On that side of the aisle, former U.S. Rep. Collin Allred is facing State Rep. James Talarico for the nomination, with former U.S. Rep. Beto O’Rourke also being rumored as a potential candidate.