Senator’s Brutal Family Attack Stuns GOP

Texas State Capitol dome with American Texas flags

Senator John Cornyn unleashes brutal personal attacks on Ken Paxton, claiming ‘not even his own family can trust’ the scandal-plagued AG, as early voting kicks off in a deadlocked Texas GOP Senate primary that could jeopardize President Trump’s agenda.

Story Snapshot

Cornyn escalates to family attacks at Austin rally, citing Paxton’s impeachment, FBI staff betrayal, and $6.6M whistleblower judgment amid tightening polls.
Paxton fires back, calling Cornyn accomplishment-free while rallying Trump base in East Texas and Allen during first day of early voting.
Three-way race with Rep. Wesley Hunt deadlocked under two weeks from March 3 primary; Trump stays neutral, liking all candidates.
GOP fears Paxton as ‘corrupt albatross’ risking down-ballot losses in Texas’ expanded congressional map, threatening House majority for Trump policies.

Cornyn’s Sharp Rally Attack

John Cornyn delivered his harshest critique yet against Ken Paxton at an Austin campaign rally on Thursday. He stated that “not even his own family can trust Ken Paxton,” tying the remark to Paxton’s 2023 impeachment by the Texas House, where staff reported him to the FBI for meddling in a donor’s federal probe. Cornyn also referenced a $6.6 million whistleblower judgment against Paxton. This marks a shift from prior jabs, like Cornyn’s 2024 “Hard to run from prison, Ken” retort, to invoking family trust amid early voting.

Paxton’s Counteroffensive and Race Dynamics

Ken Paxton responded the same day with East Texas campaigning, questioning Cornyn’s legislative record and dismissing attacks as expected from an establishment figure. Paxton, who announced his Senate bid in April 2025, leverages his AG tenure suing Obama and Biden administrations plus double-digit 2022 reelection despite scandals. Polls show Cornyn mired in the mid-20s despite $70 million spending, with Paxton and Hunt competitive in this MAGA vs. moderate showdown. Paxton recently opened rallies to media, including one in Allen urging voters to oust Cornyn.

Stakes for Trump Agenda and GOP Unity

President Trump, who backed Paxton historically, declined endorsement, stating he likes all three. Cornyn warns a Paxton nomination spells “election day massacre” for down-ballot Republicans, especially with Texas gaining five House seats post-redistricting. A weakened GOP ticket could stall Trump’s priorities like tax reforms. Paxton’s camp, via advisor Nick Maddux, counters that Cornyn fails to mobilize Trump voters, echoing Paxton’s resilience in past primaries. All candidates run anti-CAIR ads amid Abbott-Paxton actions.

Broader Midterm Risks

This intra-party feud tests MAGA strength versus establishment in deep-red Texas, unseen since Republicans held the Senate seat since 1993. Short-term, attacks may solidify bases or suppress turnout; long-term, a Paxton win risks Democratic pickup against foes like Jasmine Crockett, first since 1994. Low-propensity Trump supporters hold the key. Cornyn campaigns in Fort Worth, framing Paxton as electoral liability amid 2026 midterms as Trump referendum. Race bitterness foreshadows expensive, bruising finish.

Expert Views on the Feud

Cornyn allies portray Paxton’s scandals as self-inflicted, dooming GOP chances. Paxton supporters highlight Cornyn’s perceived anti-Trump stances, like acquittal votes, and weak turnout appeal. Neutral observers note the contest’s cost and vitriol, with Trump as pivotal kingmaker. Texas Standard describes Cornyn fighting for political survival by pivoting hard-right. Civil rights voices criticize anti-Muslim rhetoric from all sides. Consensus holds on tight polls, no hard numbers available.