Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton didn’t just show up at CPAC—he took it over.
At this year’s Conservative Political Action Conference, Paxton emerged as a clear grassroots favorite in the heated race for a U.S. Senate seat, drawing roaring applause from a crowd eager for a fighter aligned with the America First movement. For many in attendance, Paxton wasn’t just another candidate—he was “the man of the hour.”
From packed meet-and-greets to a high-profile keynote at the Ronald Reagan dinner, Paxton’s presence dominated the conference. But perhaps the most telling moment came when his primary opponent, longtime incumbent John Cornyn, was mentioned. Instead of applause, the room erupted in boos—an unmistakable signal of where the conservative base’s enthusiasm currently lies.
Taking the stage, Paxton struck a personal and faith-driven tone that resonated deeply with attendees.
“The only reason I got through all that is by the grace of God,” he said, referencing past political and legal battles. “He used the people of Texas to deliver me.” The line brought the crowd to its feet, underscoring the strong connection Paxton has built with grassroots conservatives.
The race itself remains far from settled. Neither Paxton nor Cornyn secured enough support in the March 3 primary, forcing a high-stakes runoff scheduled for May 26. While Cornyn maintains a significant advantage in fundraising, Paxton appears unfazed—leaning into the energy and loyalty of the conservative base rather than establishment backing.
The winner will go on to face Democrat James Talarico in November, setting the stage for what could be one of the most closely watched Senate races in the country.
A key dividing line in the GOP primary has been support for election integrity measures, particularly the SAVE Act. Paxton has championed the legislation, which would require proof of U.S. citizenship—such as a driver’s license or birth certificate—to register and vote. For many conservatives, it’s a commonsense reform aimed at restoring trust in elections.
Paxton didn’t hold back when criticizing Cornyn’s record on the issue.
“Unfortunately, John Cornyn has never been focused on this issue until right now, when I called him out on it,” Paxton told the crowd, drawing cheers. The jab appeared to land, especially given that Cornyn only recently signaled openness to changes in Senate rules related to election security—after facing mounting pressure from the right.
Supporters say Paxton’s unapologetic alignment with President Donald Trump is a major factor driving his surge. While Trump has yet to officially endorse a candidate in the race, Paxton has made it clear he stands firmly behind the president’s agenda.
“There’s got to be a change,” said one young Texas voter at the event. “Paxton is more of an ally to Trump.”
As the runoff approaches, the contrast between the two candidates couldn’t be sharper: a well-funded incumbent with deep establishment ties versus a grassroots-backed challenger riding a wave of conservative momentum.
If CPAC was any indication, Paxton has the wind at his back—and the Republican base is paying close attention.
