Turning Point Action has endorsed Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in the Republican primary for U.S. Senate. The endorsement adds new momentum to Paxton’s challenge against incumbent Sen. John Cornyn.
The backing comes from Turning Point Action, a powerful force among grassroots conservatives. The group praised Paxton as a “conservative warrior” and said its support would further energize his campaign.
“I’m honored to be endorsed by Turning Point Action,” Paxton wrote in a post on X. “The movement that Charlie Kirk built has inspired millions. I’m proud to be standing alongside Turning Point Action in the fight to save this country and defend our freedoms.”
Paxton is competing in a turbulent Republican primary that also includes Rep. Wesley Hunt. Polling shows a close and shifting race.
A Hobby School poll conducted from January 20 to 31 showed Paxton leading the field. He received 38 percent support among likely GOP primary voters. Cornyn followed with 31 percent, while Hunt drew 17 percent.
The same survey found Paxton with the highest favorability among Republican voters. Seventy-two percent viewed him positively. Hunt followed at 70 percent, while Cornyn ranked last at 61 percent.
A separate J.L. Partners poll taken between January 31 and February 2 showed a tighter contest. Paxton led narrowly with 27 percent. Hunt followed at 25.7 percent, while Cornyn stood at 25.5 percent.
Nearly 22 percent of voters were undecided in that poll. If no candidate secures a majority in the March 3 primary, the top two finishers will advance to a May 26 runoff.
Cornyn responded swiftly to the endorsement. He reposted criticism from Jonah Wendt of Advancing American Freedom, an organization founded by former Vice President Mike Pence. The comments referenced Paxton’s personal controversies and questioned Turning Point Action’s decision.
Cornyn also highlighted his own institutional support. He shared an endorsement from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
“Senator John Cornyn consistently supports policies that provide stability for businesses, promote responsible budgeting, and strengthen America,” said Neil Bradley, the chamber’s executive vice president and chief policy officer. “He has demonstrated steady, results-driven leadership. This is the kind of leadership Texas can count on.”
Cornyn said he was “honored” to receive the endorsement.
Paxton has argued that Cornyn’s long tenure has failed to deliver results. He has pointed to polling trends that show Cornyn’s support slipping. In a recent post, Paxton accused the senator of wasting campaign funds that could have helped other GOP races.
Whoever wins the Republican primary will face either Rep. Jasmine Crockett or Democratic state Rep. James Talarico in the November midterm election.