Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton's decision to challenge U.S. Sen. John Cornyn in the 2026 GOP primary is creating an opening for a statewide office that comes with a high profile and a national reach.

Last week, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced a primary challenge to incumbent Republican Sen. John Cornyn. Two big names have already thrown their hat in the ring to replace Paxton.

Republican state Sen. Mayes Middleton is jumping into the 2026 race to replace Attorney General Ken Paxton, who is pursuing a U.S. Senate run, and will self-fund his campaign to the tune of $10 million.