Democrats See Opportunity as GOP Infighting Deepens in Texas Senate Race
AUSTIN, Texas — The 2026 U.S. Senate race in Texas has become a focal point of intense Republican discord, providing Democrats with a rare opening in a state long dominated by GOP control. As incumbent Senator John Cornyn faces stiff primary competition from Attorney General Ken Paxton and Congressman Wesley Hunt, Democrats are positioning themselves to capitalize on the fractured Republican base ahead of the November general election.
Texas has not elected a Democratic senator in over three decades, but this year’s contest is shaping up to be unusually competitive. The GOP primary is marked by sharp divisions, with Paxton, a staunch MAGA supporter, gaining momentum among the party’s conservative base. Eric Koch, founder of Downfield Strategies and a seasoned Democratic strategist, told Fox News Digital that despite Cornyn’s incumbency, Paxton “clearly has the momentum in this primary because he’s the MAGA choice.”
On the Democratic side, rising state Representative James Talarico and progressive Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett are vying to challenge the GOP nominee. Both candidates represent a new generation of Texas Democrats who are seeking to harness demographic shifts and growing urban populations to flip the Senate seat. Crockett recently responded to critics skeptical of her chances, asserting that their doubts stem from fear of her potential victory.
Political analysts note that the stark contrast between the GOP candidates provides a clear choice for voters but also risks alienating moderate Republicans and independents. This internal strife could weaken the party’s hold on the seat, which is critical for maintaining Senate control. The U.S. Senate currently hinges on a narrow majority, making Texas a key battleground.
Democrats see the GOP’s infighting as their “last remaining strategy” to gain ground in the Lone Star State. The party’s efforts are bolstered by targeted outreach and voter mobilization campaigns, particularly in urban centers such as Houston and Austin, where demographic trends favor Democrats. The Federal Election Commission reports indicate increased fundraising and grassroots activity by Democratic candidates in Texas.
Meanwhile, the Republican primary battle has drawn national attention, with high-profile endorsements and heated rhetoric underscoring the ideological divide within the party. Paxton’s alignment with former President Donald Trump and his MAGA platform contrasts with Cornyn’s more traditional Republican stance, complicating GOP efforts to unify ahead of the general election.
The stakes extend beyond Texas. A Democratic pickup in the state would significantly impact the Senate’s balance of power, influencing legislative priorities and judicial appointments. The U.S. Census Bureau data underscores Texas’s evolving electorate, with increasing diversity and younger voters reshaping political dynamics.
As the primary season progresses, both parties are closely watching voter sentiment and campaign developments. The outcome in Texas will likely serve as a bellwether for broader national trends in the 2026 midterms, where control of the Senate remains fiercely contested.
For now, Democrats remain cautiously optimistic, viewing the GOP’s internal conflicts as a critical vulnerability that could tip the scales in their favor in one of the nation’s most consequential Senate races.
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