Democratic poll finds Cornyn behind Paxton in Texas Senate race

A recent survey released to Semafor indicates that Senator John Cornyn, R-Texas, faces challenges in his primary battle against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and Representative Wesley Hunt, R-Texas. In a three-way contest, Paxton leads with 32% of support, while Hunt and Cornyn are tied at 22% each, leaving 24% of voters undecided, according to new polling by Public Policy Polling for the Democratic Senate Majority PAC.

Paxton and Hunt also hold advantages over Cornyn in one-on-one matchups, though roughly a quarter of respondents remain uncertain. While Cornyn has led some recent polls, his campaign adviser Matt Mackowiak expressed confidence in his victory, claiming Democrats aim to run against Paxton and risk the GOP losing a crucial Senate seat and up to $200 million in the general election.

Lauren French, spokesperson for the Senate Majority PAC, dismissed that statement as weak, half-hearted spin.

The GOP primary in Texas is pivotal for Senate Republicans hoping to maintain control. Cornyn is generally viewed as more likely to succeed in a general election than Paxton, making his campaign a focus for party leaders. President Donald Trump has not endorsed a candidate yet, but his support could influence the outcome significantly.

The PPP poll also shows concerns among GOP voters about Cornyns alignment with Trump, with his favorability rating at 29-44. Paxtons favorability stands at 48-35, while Hunts is 34-14, with many respondents unsure about Hunt. The race has grown tighter since Hunt entered, with Paxton holding a narrow lead over Cornyn in polling averages.

Author: Ava Mitchell