CPAC Makes Texas GOP Pick
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is quickly becoming the clear favorite among grassroots conservatives, as momentum builds in one of the most important Senate races in the country.
At the recent Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), Paxton didn’t just attend—he dominated.
From packed receptions to thunderous applause during his keynote speech, it was clear: conservative voters are rallying behind Paxton in a major way.
Paxton Wins Over Conservative Base at CPAC
Throughout the event, Paxton was treated like the leading candidate in the Texas Senate race.
He headlined major gatherings, met privately with supporters, and drew long lines for photos and handshakes. The response from the crowd was overwhelming.
Every mention of Paxton brought cheers.
Mentions of Sen. John Cornyn? Loud boos.
That reaction speaks volumes about where the Republican base stands heading into the May 26 runoff.
Grassroots Conservatives Power Paxton’s Comeback
Ken Paxton’s political strength has always come from the grassroots—and that support is proving decisive once again.
After surviving impeachment and being acquitted by the Texas Legislature, Paxton returned stronger than ever, thanks to loyal conservative voters across the state.
During his speech, Paxton pointed to faith and voters as the reason he endured.
“There’s only one reason I made it through—it’s by the grace of God,” he told supporters. “The people of Texas stood with me.”
That message resonated deeply with the CPAC crowd.
Establishment vs. America First: A Clear Divide
While John Cornyn holds strong support from Washington insiders and has raised significantly more campaign money, many conservatives are signaling they want a change.
At CPAC, Paxton crushed Cornyn in a straw poll by more than a 3-to-1 margin, earning a key endorsement from the organization.
For many voters, the choice comes down to one key issue:
Who will stand with President Donald Trump and the America First agenda?
Luke Brown, a young conservative from Texas, said what many were thinking:
“There’s got to be a change. Paxton is clearly more aligned with Trump and where the party is going.”
Election Integrity Fight Becomes Central Issue
One of the biggest flashpoints in the race is the SAVE Act—a Trump-backed proposal requiring stricter proof of citizenship to vote.
Paxton has fully embraced the legislation, making election integrity a cornerstone of his campaign.
He also took direct aim at Cornyn, accusing him of failing to lead on the issue until recently.
Shortly after, Cornyn adjusted his stance, expressing support for potential rule changes to move the bill forward.
But for many conservatives, the shift came too late.
“Too Little, Too Late,” Say Conservative Voters
At CPAC, voters made their feelings clear.
Joe Ropar, a 72-year-old attendee, praised Paxton’s strategy and criticized Cornyn’s sudden change in tone.
“He’s trying to switch now,” Ropar said. “But it’s too little, too late.”
That sentiment was echoed throughout the event.
Even major conservative voices weighed in. Steve Bannon described Paxton as a true reflection of the MAGA movement—further energizing his support.
Texas Senate Race Could Decide Balance of Power
The stakes in this race go far beyond Texas.
The Republican nominee will face Democrat James Talarico in a high-profile general election that could play a major role in determining control of the U.S. Senate.
For conservatives, holding the Senate is critical—and many believe Paxton is the candidate best positioned to energize voters.
Growing Calls for New Leadership
Beyond policy, many voters are simply ready for a new direction.
Some longtime Cornyn supporters are beginning to reconsider.
Valerie Burge, a retired teacher, said she’s now undecided after initially backing Cornyn.
“It might be time for something new,” she admitted.
Barbara Palmer, a 65-year-old attorney, agreed.
“He’s been in office a long time,” she said. “At some point, it’s just time for a change.”
Bottom Line: Momentum Is Clearly Shifting
Ken Paxton’s strong performance at CPAC signals a major shift within the Republican Party.
The divide between establishment Republicans and grassroots conservatives is growing—and voters are paying attention.
With energy, enthusiasm, and alignment with President Trump, Paxton is entering the runoff with serious momentum.
And if CPAC was any indication, this race is far from over—but the tide may already be turning.
