Sen. John Cornyn criticized the Democratic Party after Rep. Jasmine Crockett entered the 2026 Texas Senate race, calling the party "captive" to its left wing. Crockett will face state Rep. James Talarico in the March 3 Democratic primary after Colin Allred withdrew. Cornyn is facing a competitive Republican primary against Ken Paxton and Rep. Wesley Hunt that could lead to a May runoff. The winner of these contests will shape a pivotal Texas matchup with implications for control of the U.S. Senate.
Cornyn Blasts Democrats as 'Ruled by Socialists' After Crockett Joins 2026 Texas Senate Race
Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, speaks after announcing her run in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate Monday, Dec. 8, 2025, in Dallas.
Sen. John Cornyn, the long-serving Republican senator from Texas, sharply criticized the Democratic field after Rep. Jasmine Crockett announced her candidacy for the 2026 U.S. Senate seat. In an interview with Fox News Digital, Cornyn argued that Crockett's entry proves the Democratic Party has been overtaken by its left flank, saying "even people like Chuck Schumer" have been "hijacked by the Bernie Sanders and AOC wing of the Democratic Party."
Sen. John Cornyn, R-Tx., seen on Capitol Hill on Dec. 9, 2025, is arguably facing the toughest re-election of his political career in the Senate.
Democratic Primary
Crockett, a two-term congresswoman from a Dallas-area district known for progressive positions, launched her campaign days after former Rep. Colin Allred — a more moderate Democrat who had been running for the seat — suspended his bid. Crockett will face state Rep. James Talarico, a former middle-school teacher and Presbyterian seminarian, in the March 3 Democratic primary.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, seen during the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, is primary challenging GOP Sen. John Cornyn in the 2026 elections.
Republican Primary
On the Republican side, Cornyn is locked in a competitive primary with Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and Rep. Wesley Hunt. The GOP contest could head to a May runoff if no candidate reaches 50% in the March primary. Cornyn has emphasized his electability in November and has received endorsements from Senate Majority Leader John Thune and backing from the National Republican Senatorial Committee; NRSC Chair Sen. Tim Scott has expressed confidence Cornyn will be the nominee.
Republican Rep. Wesley Hunt of Texas, seen during the first day of the 2024 Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on July 15, 2024, is primary challenging Sen. John Cornyn in the 2026 elections.
Cornyn's Argument And Pushback
"I think she is unelectable in a general election in Texas. Texas is still a conservative red state," Cornyn said of Crockett, adding that her candidacy makes him "really happy she's decided to run."
Cornyn also highlighted his record of supporting former President Donald Trump — saying he backed Trump "99.3% of the time" — while acknowledging the former president has so far remained neutral in the intraparty fight between Cornyn and Paxton.
Paxton, a strong Trump ally who has faced legal and personal controversies in recent years, has disputed Cornyn's characterization of the Democratic field and insists he can win statewide again. Wesley Hunt, a West Point graduate and Army veteran who emphasizes his Trump loyalty, has criticized Cornyn as out of step with the party's base and called for new leadership.
Why This Race Matters
Texas is commonly viewed as a pivotal Senate battleground for 2026. The outcome of both parties' primaries — and the eventual November contest — could influence whether Republicans retain their Senate majority. With contenders representing different wings of both parties, the race highlights intraparty tensions and strategic calculations about who is best positioned to win statewide in Texas.
What to Watch: The March 3 Democratic primary between Crockett and Talarico, the March GOP primary and any May runoff, and potential endorsements from national figures that could shape the general election matchup.
