Paxton Leads Cornyn in Texas Senate Runoff Poll

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton holds a lead over incumbent U.S. Senator John Cornyn in the latest polling for the state's Republican Senate primary runoff, set for May 26, as the contest intensifies with new endorsements, attack advertisements, and anticipation of a possible presidential endorsement.

The runoff stems from the March 3 Republican primary, where Cornyn received about 42 percent of the vote and Paxton garnered roughly 41 percent, with U.S. Representative Wesley Hunt placing third at 13 percent. Neither candidate secured the majority needed to avoid the second round under Texas election rules. Early voting begins May 18.

A Quantus Insights poll of 1,217 likely Republican primary voters, conducted March 22-23, showed Paxton ahead with 48.8 percent support compared to Cornyn's 41.3 percent, with 9.9 percent undecided. The survey indicated high voter commitment, with 89 percent certain to participate and nearly 79 percent describing their choice as definite. Among those who supported Hunt in the initial primary, about 58 percent now back Paxton. Favorability ratings favored Paxton slightly, with 56 percent viewing him positively versus 43 percent for Cornyn.