Texas Senator John Cornyn is facing stiff competition from Challenger Ken Paxton, who currently serves as the Attorney General of Texas. Many have criticized Cornyn for being a RINO, or a Republican in name only, and it seems that the public agrees, as Paxton has started to pull ahead in the polls.
For context, even in deep red states like Texas, Republican lawmakers will compromise on their conservative principles to get ahead. Often derogatorily referred to as RINOs, these legislators see more in common with the DC sDCmp than their constituents at home.
In any case, Punchbowl News reports that Cornyn trails Paxton by a staggering 16 points in a head-to-head matchup. The document stated, “In a three-way contest with Rep. Wesley Hunt (R-Texas), who is considering a run, Cornyn is down 10. Paxton pulled 44% to Cornyn’s 34%. Hunt got 19% in the three-way race.”
Continuing their analysis, the outlet revealed how each prospective candidate would fare against a democratic challenger. PunchBowl stated, “The survey, which was conducted from April 27 to May 1 by The Tarrance Group, also tested a general election contest between each potential Republican candidate and former Democratic Rep. Colin Allred (D-Texas), who is mulling another Senate run. Cornyn led Allred by 6 points in the poll. Hunt was up 4 points. Paxton was down by 1 point.”
Reacting to the news on social media, AG Ken Paxton took to X to slam the RINO. In a May 13, 2025, post, he stated, “The @club4growth has released their 2024 rating this morning. @JohnCornyn is a D- Senator. He scored a 62 for his lack of standing up for conservative values. Texas deserves better than a D- Senator. Send him home!”
Annoyed by Cornyn, conservatives took to the comments to support Paxton’s bid for Senate. One such comment said, “When Paxton entered the race he made the decision easy for Texans. Cornyn has repeatedly proved that he’s not truly interested in representing Texans in our government. Ken on the other hand has been fighting the establishments to protect Texans his entire political career.”
Blasting the swap politician, another comment read, “🚨 RINO Alert: Sen. John Cornyn (TX) scores a dismal 50 on the RINOScorus™—a clear sign of his establishment leanings! First elected in 2002, Cornyn’s “High RINO alignment” shows he’s drifted far from America First values. With his next election on 11/3/2026, it’s time to primary this RINO and demand a true conservative leader. #RINORemovalProject #RRP #AmericaFirst”
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Still not done criticising the Texcas Senator, many comments pointed to his past actions to explain why he had to go. One user noted, “John Cornyn was behind signing the red flag laws that that infuriated Texans, please hang that law around his neck for him to carry !” Building on this point another comment read, “You got my vote Ken, keep fighting the good fight and don’t become a swamp puppet like Cornyn when you get there, don’t forget about us here in Texas.”
Rounding out the comments, one user wondered why conservatives keep abandoning their principles. A commenter wrote, “How do men like Cornyn go to Washington and become so indifferent to the Will of their constituents? There must be a formula that needs to be solved that will reveal the answer.
There must be something in the D.C. camp that strips virtue and allegiance to their oath from elected Congressmen.”