The Powers That Be: Daily Don’t Mess With Texas: Primary Edition!
Mar 3, 2026
Abby Livingston, a Texas-based political reporter for Puck and the Texas Tribune, breaks down chaotic Texas primaries. She walks through the bruising Cornyn vs. Ken Paxton Republican clash and whether national Republicans will intervene. She also covers the tight Democratic race between James Talarico and Jasmine Crockett, turnout surprises, and why polls in Texas are so unreliable.
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Cornyn Faces An Existential Primary Battle
- John Cornyn is in an unusually serious reelection fight and may be forced into a runoff against Ken Paxton and Wesley Hunt.
- National Republicans have already spent roughly $70 million supporting Cornyn, signaling high stakes and potential ugly runoff warfare.
Runoff Dynamics Favor Hardline Voters
- The Republican contest is likely headed to a runoff and will be nasty, which is rare and damaging for incumbents in Texas.
- Runoffs favor more conservative voters who show up in May, complicating Cornyn's path.
Trump Endorsement Could Decide Cornyn Runoff
- A Cornyn runoff loss would force national Republicans to intervene, likely seeking a Trump endorsement to save him.
- Abby says Cornyn needs Trump's backing and other factors to reverse a potential Paxton advantage.