Texas Standard What Cornyn’s absence at CPAC could signal for Senate race
Mar 30, 2026
Wells Dunbar, Audience and Engagement Editor who curates listener stories, guides conversations about Texans' cost-of-living struggles. The show covers John Cornyn skipping CPAC and what that might mean for the Senate contest. They dig into CPAC’s influence on Texas Republicans, fuel risks from disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, and grassroots No Kings protests across the state.
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Cornyn's No Show Exposed GOP Fault Lines
- John Cornyn's absence from CPAC highlighted a widening rift between establishment Republicans and MAGA-aligned activists.
- At the Gaylord Texan, Ken Paxton was embraced by the CPAC crowd while Cornyn said he stayed home to work on 'Save America' voting legislation.
Paxton Enthusiasm May Cost Republicans The General Election
- CPAC attendees skew strongly pro-Paxton but included undecided voters who worried Paxton's baggage could hurt the GOP in November.
- Concerns cited included impeachment history, corruption accusations, and a divisive divorce that might push swing voters to Democrat James Tallarico.
Trump's Hesitation Reflects A Tough Political Calculation
- President Trump had not endorsed in the Cornyn–Paxton fight because it's a politically fraught choice between CPAC's MAGA base and the money backing Cornyn.
- Blaise Ganey suggested Trump may prefer to let Texans decide rather than alienate either side.