It is a testament as to just how crazy the Republican party has gotten that Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) has become someone independent of Trump and someone that Democrats can work with when trying to craft something that can get through the Senate’s arcane rules. (The Big Beautiful Bill got through on a majority vote because it was based on the most liberal definition of budget reconciliation ever set forth.) It is for that very reason – Cornyn not being a Trump-first guy- that he has become a target in the 2026 election. Republicans must be damned careful because the Democrats bring forth Rep. Collin Allred, the former Dallas Cowboy and esteemed legislator. Allred has taken a shot at Ted Cruz and come up just a few points short in a presidential election year. But if Cornyn loses a tough primary, it will be a zoo break.
It is for that reason that the GOP Senate caucus is watching on with worry as an intra-party battle with Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is shaping up to be a bit of a blood bath with Trump standing on the sidelines – for now. Everyone understands that if Trump had his way, he would point to Paxton over the non-Trumper Cornyn. Be that as it may, Trump definitely prefers any red head over Allred. Texas and Trump have to be very careful and yet are in what is described as an all-out war for the Republican nomination as things stand right now.
According to a report in Rawstory,
It’s already turning ugly, however. Last week, NRSC spokesperson Joanna Rodriguez commented about Paxton’s recently announced divorce. “No one should have to endure what Angela Paxton has, and we pray for her as she chooses to stand up for herself and her family during this difficult time,” she said.
Yeah.
Well, agreed, except for the fact that Angela Paxton, the soon-to-be ex-wife, endured “biblical grounds” as the basis for her divorce and didn’t exactly file a quiet “irreconcilable differences” thing where they both agreed. (He cheated on her, obviously.) Furthermore, no one should have to endure Trump’s fascist hold on this country, and yet all of us are. Forgive us in advance for holding back any sympathy. But our friends at Rawstory go on reporting:
During the last fundraising quarter, Cornyn still outraised Paxton, but the attorney general managed to bring in $2.9 million in just three months. “With or without Trump endorsing, the Republican primary could turn into an all-out war — and that’s before either party has a nominee,” the report said
They go on to note that the seat could fall into Democratic hands, but even if Paxton or Cornyn manages to win the general election, it will still take a mountain of cash that would otherwise go to Maine to protect Sue Collins or North Carolina and Tom Tillis’s old seat.
Good.
They so deserve this. This is what happens when a cult of personality takes hold, where the only real voice of the party demands unquestioned loyalty. Anyone off the mandate, like Cornyn, will have to beat a true believer. Meanwhile, you know Trump desperately wants Paxton to win, but can’t really come out and endorse Paxton because it will look really bad if Cornyn ends up winning the nomination and goes on to the general without Trump’s backing.
And so there it stands. Meanwhile, Collin Allred remains a good guy and someone who might be able to pull off a surprise victory in a state in which he’s already put up good numbers against Ted Cruz.
Democrats should likely cheer on Paxton. Cornyn’s relatively moderate stance does fck all good when it really comes down to judicial nominees and approval of cabinet positions – the only real work left for the senate at this point. Paxton’s candidacy rides on Trump’s poll numbers and enthusiasm, and there is real reason to believe that both will trend down as the lame duck gets increasingly fascist and crazy.
Trump won’t likely totally implode. Most of us have been predicting such a red catastrophe for a long time. But an implosion remains possible because Trump has never been a lame duck, and he’s never seen the economy slow under him. Both forces, along with his increasingly unpopular draconian actions with respect to immigration, will weigh on Trump, and if the economy really goes bad, Katie bar the door.
And Paxton’s fortune rides on Trump’s fortune. Paxton could see his fate sealed by a blue wave as the electorate bites back against Republican overreach. Meanwhile, enjoy the all-out war and the money spent. Oh, and Trump will squirm because he wants Cornyn out sooo badly…
The “get the popcorn” is a tired cliche, but still serves. So does “set aside Netflix for a while” and just watch Rachel.
**** Please follow me now on Bluesky
God Bless: I can be reached at [email protected] and also on X at @JasonMiciak.Â
Zoomers, we are always in need of donations. It’s been an especially rough month, and my own health has not been great these past few weeks, which just adds to the frustration. Anything you can spare will be immensely appreciated. And thank you to all who have donated generously already. Ursula
