Paxton-Cornyn clash signals rift and turnout risk for Texas GOP

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton pulls negative ads against Sen. John Cornyn as the GOP primary heats up, with Cornyn counterattacking and highlighting Paxton’s scandals. The volatile exchange underscores a deeper split between MAGA and establishment wings, fueling fears that intra-party fighting could depress turnout in the midterms and hurt down-ballot candidates, even as Trump’s endorsement boosts Paxton. Republicans worry a Paxton victory could jeopardize the Texas Senate seat, while both campaigns and allied groups press ahead with relentless attacks ahead of the runoff.