Who Will Cornyn Face in 2026?

June 10, 2025 – As of now, U.S. Senator John Cornyn, a longtime Texas Republican and former Senate Majority Whip, is widely expected to seek reelection in 2026. Cornyn has been a significant figure in Texas and national politics, often positioning himself as a mainstream conservative aligned with the Republican establishment.

Potential challengers in the GOP primary have not been officially confirmed, but there is ongoing speculation that Cornyn could face opposition from more hardline or Trump-aligned candidates. Cornyn’s relationship with former President Donald Trump has been complex, and in today’s political environment, that could open the door to a primary challenge from the party’s right wing.

There is also interest in whether popular statewide figures like Attorney General Ken Paxton, who has a strong base among grassroots conservatives, or newer Republican voices might enter the race. The Texas GOP has seen increased internal competition in recent years, often between establishment conservatives and more populist factions.

The primary field is still forming, and more definitive answers about Cornyn’s challengers will likely emerge closer to the 2026 election cycle.