Texas Senate Primary Shatters Spending Records in High-Stakes GOP Battle
Cornyn and his allies have dominated spending, pouring nearly $70 million into ads supporting his bid for a fifth term and attacking opponents, particularly highlighting Paxton's liabilities. Paxton has seen about $4 million in supportive ads, while Hunt has received around $11 million.
AUSTIN – The 2026 Texas Senate Republican primary has become the most expensive in U.S. history, with ad spending exceeding $122 million ahead of Tuesday's vote, according to ad-tracking firm AdImpact.
Incumbent Sen. John Cornyn faces challengers Attorney General Ken Paxton and Rep. Wesley Hunt in a competitive three-way race for the GOP nomination. Cornyn and his allies have dominated spending, pouring nearly $70 million into ads supporting his bid for a fifth term and attacking opponents, particularly highlighting Paxton's liabilities. Paxton has seen about $4 million in supportive ads, while Hunt has received around $11 million.
The record-breaking totals include more than $95 million in the Republican primary alone, far surpassing previous benchmarks like Arizona's 2022 Senate primary at $109.5 million. Much of the money comes from outside groups, with national Republicans investing heavily to prevent a Paxton nomination, which they fear could risk the party's hold on the seat in the general election.
Polls show a tight contest, with Paxton holding a slight lead in some surveys, followed closely by Cornyn, and Hunt in third. No candidate appears poised for an outright majority, making a May runoff between the top two likely.
The intense spending reflects high stakes for Texas conservatives and the broader GOP, as the primary tests loyalty to Trump-era priorities versus establishment experience. Early voting has surged, underscoring strong interest in this pivotal race that could shape Senate control in the midterms.
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