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Paxton Tops Cornyn in Texas GOP Senate Primary as Hunt Narrows the Race

10:09 PM, 12/03/2025
Paxton Tops Cornyn in Texas GOP Senate Primary as Hunt Narrows the Race

The latest Public Policy Polling survey, commissioned by the Democratic Senate Majority PAC, shows Ken Paxton leading a three-way Texas GOP primary with 32% to Wesley Hunt and John Cornyn at 22% each, and 24% undecided. Both Paxton and Hunt also edge Cornyn in head-to-head matchups, though many voters remain unsure. The poll highlights weaker favorability for Cornyn among GOP voters and growing uncertainty about Hunt, a dynamic that has tightened the race since his entry. A Trump endorsement could still reshape the contest.

A new Public Policy Polling survey commissioned by the Democratic Senate Majority PAC finds Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton leading a three-way Republican primary with 32% support. Rep. Wesley Hunt and Sen. John Cornyn each register 22%, while 24% of likely voters remain undecided.

In one-on-one matchups, both Paxton and Hunt outpace Cornyn, although roughly a quarter of voters say they are unsure in those head-to-head scenarios. The poll also highlights notable differences in favorability: Cornyn posts a 29% favorable to 44% unfavorable rating among GOP voters, Paxton is 48% favorable to 35% unfavorable, and Hunt is 34% favorable to 14% unfavorable, with many respondents still unsure about the congressman.

Cornyn had led several recent surveys. His campaign adviser, Matt Mackowiak, pushed back on the new numbers and accused Democrats of trying to boost Paxton to damage Republican prospects in the general election.

Democrats are desperate to run against a fatally flawed Ken Paxton and cost the GOP a critically valuable Senate seat and as much as $200 million in the general election, Mackowiak said.

Lauren French, a spokeswoman for the Senate Majority PAC, dismissed that explanation as spin.

Weak, half-hearted spin, she said.

The outcome of the Texas GOP primary matters for Republicans' effort to hold the Senate majority. Many party leaders view Cornyn as the stronger general-election candidate, but his weaker favorability with core GOP voters has raised concerns. Former President Donald Trump has remained neutral so far; his endorsement could influence the contest and party activists are watching whether he intervenes.

The entry of Hunt into the race has tightened the contest, shifting dynamics and leaving open the possibility of a competitive primary runoff depending on how undecided voters break.

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