CPAC activists embrace Paxton as MAGA's choice for Senate over Cornyn
AP News • • nation
Key Points:
- Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton was the unofficial guest of honor at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), receiving strong support as the favored Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate runoff against Sen. John Cornyn.
- Paxton's grassroots backing remains solid despite past impeachment and corruption charges, which he was acquitted of, and he is seen as more aligned with former President Trump and the party's conservative base.
- Cornyn, who leads in fundraising and party establishment support, did not attend CPAC and faces criticism from conservatives for his past positions on immigration and gun control, while Paxton capitalized on issues like the SAVE Act to appeal to right-wing voters.
- The Senate runoff winner will face Democrat James Talarico, with the race closely watched as Republicans aim to maintain control of Congress.
- Paxton's campaign portrays Cornyn as out of touch with the party's conservative base, while some voters express a desire for new leadership after Cornyn's long tenure in office.
