Texas Republicans delivered a stunning rebuke to Senator John Cornyn in Tuesday’s runoff election, with Attorney General Ken Paxton trouncing the four-term incumbent by 28 points β a margin that reflects deepening fractures within the GOP as Trump’s MAGA movement tightens its grip on the party.
‘Addition by Subtraction’
The Federalist framed Cornyn’s defeat as “addition by subtraction” alongside other establishment Republican losses, declaring the departures of Cornyn, Susan Collins, and Thom Tillis as victories for the party’s populist wing. Critics accused Cornyn of abandoning conservative principles during his 22-year Senate career, particularly on gun rights and foreign policy.
Trump’s Revenge
Former President Trump, who endorsed Paxton, later explained his decision by calling Cornyn “a disloyal guy” who “kissed my ass when it was fashionable.” The remark referenced Cornyn’s uneven support during Trump’s presidency, including his criticism of the January 6 Capitol riot.
Suburban Shifts and Voter Apathy
Analysts note that Texas’ rapidly blueing suburbs and depressed Republican turnout β driven by frustration over unmet campaign promises β created a perfect storm for establishment figures. Brookings Institution observers suggested the result signals “the state’s party is now firmly in the hands of Trump’s MAGA base.”
Cornyn conceded gracefully to Democratic Senator-elect James Talarico in a social media post, offering transition assistance. But the conservative press framed his defeat as deserved retribution for allegedly “working with Democrats to attack the Second Amendment” and betraying grassroots voters.
Source: thefederalist.com β https://thefederalist.com/2026/11/06/hey-john-cornyn-im-so-glad-youre-going/