AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is running for the U.S. Senate in a primary challenge against Republican Sen. John Cornyn, setting up what is likely to become one of the GOP’s most contentious and expensive contests of 2026.

Republican Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said on Tuesday he will challenge Republican U.S. Senator John Cornyn from Texas in the 2026 primary, adding he will support President Donald Trump's agenda.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton on Tuesday night announced a primary challenge against longtime Sen. John Cornyn, setting the stage for a battle between two politicians representing different parts of the Republican Party.