Sen. John Cornyn to Focus Fundraising on Competitive Senate Races Outside Texas

Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, who has long been a major fundraiser for Senate Republicans, is directing his financial efforts toward competitive races outside Texas rather than supporting embattled Attorney General Ken Paxton in the state’s Senate race.

Cornyn told *The Texas Tribune* last week that he plans to focus his fundraising on tight races in states like New Hampshire, Michigan, and Alaska, where he believes contributions will have a greater impact. He described Texas as a “black hole when it comes to campaign cash,” suggesting that Paxton and his allies must broaden their donor base.

A person close to Paxton, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the attorney general has actively sought support from Cornyn’s top donors. However, Cornyn has not shifted his resources toward Paxton’s campaign.

“I remain a good Republican who wants to see the GOP maintain control of the Senate,” Cornyn said, adding that he opposes Democrat James Talarico’s policies. He reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the Republican ticket in Texas but reiterated his criticism of Paxton’s campaigning abilities.

“Paxton’s a poor campaigner,” Cornyn said. “He’s lazy and doesn’t raise money. He’s making this harder than it needs to be.”

Paxton has not responded to requests for comment on Cornyn’s remarks.

Cornyn had warned during the primary that Paxton’s nomination could jeopardize Republican dominance in Texas, a concern that primary voters did not share. Recent polling shows a tight race between Paxton and Talarico, with Democrats leading in some surveys—a rare development in a state Republicans have controlled for over 30 years.

Paxton’s fundraising has lagged significantly behind Talarico’s, who raised $30 million in the second quarter to Paxton’s $9 million. Talarico has also outspent Paxton in advertising by nearly 200-to-1.

Cornyn suggested that former President Donald Trump, whose super PAC has over $400 million on hand, could directly fund Paxton’s campaign if he wanted to ensure the attorney general’s victory.

Trump is scheduled to headline a fundraiser for Paxton in Houston on Thursday as part of a Republican National Committee event.

Despite Cornyn’s reservations, the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) expressed confidence in Paxton’s campaign. “Ken Paxton is raising record-breaking resources, building impressive grassroots support, and working in lockstep with President Trump to execute a winning campaign plan,” said NRSC Regional Press Secretary Samantha Cantrell.

The primary between Cornyn and Paxton was contentious, with Paxton winning the runoff by a wide margin. While Paxton has since tried to unite the party, Cornyn remains concerned about outreach to his supporters.

“I can’t tell that any of the supporters of Paxton have done diddly squat to reach out to what I would call mainstream traditional Republicans in Texas,” Cornyn said.

The person close to Paxton said the attorney general has attempted to contact Cornyn but received no response.

Cornyn’s decision to focus on other races comes as he remains influential in Washington, using his position to secure policy concessions from the administration, including funding for global HIV prevention and modifications to a controversial DOJ fund.

As the Senate GOP prepares to return in September, Cornyn said he will continue to evaluate issues independently, free from political pressures.

“I’ve made very clear to the administration, I don’t intend to just be a thorn in their side for the sake of being a thorn in their side,” Cornyn said.