Ken Paxton Watch
February 29, 2024
Paxton Watch: Will Ken Run Against John Cornyn in 2026?
The attorney general and the senator have beef. For now, it’s confined to social media.
John Cornyn
Latest
1-50 of 68 Articles
Politics & Policy
September 22, 2023
Ken Paxton Is Finally Free to Talk. Cue the Falsehoods on Tucker Carlson’s Show.
The attorney general is going on a right-wing media tour to complain—with no evidence—about a bipartisan conspiracy against him.
Politics & Policy
September 13, 2023
Ted Cruz, John Cornyn, and Other Texans in D.C. Weigh In on Ken Paxton’s Impeachment Trial
Shouldn’t Paxton be present for the proceedings? Best guesses on the outcome? We posed these questions and more.
Politics & Policy
July 7, 2022
After the Gun Bill, John Cornyn Is Now Less Popular Than Ted Cruz
Big John’s approval rating has taken a serious blow in the month after the Uvalde shooting—driven largely by Republicans and independents.
Politics & Policy
June 20, 2022
Yes, the 2022 Texas GOP Platform Is Extreme. But Little of It Is New.
Observers cite the party’s convention as evidence that state Republicans have gone “full MAGA.” But if anything, MAGA folks are following Texas.
Politics & Policy
June 14, 2022
What Does the Senate’s Gun Safety Deal Mean for Texas?
John Cornyn helped wrangle other senators from both parties to advance a spate of provisions. But will the Texas Legislature follow his lead?
Politics & Policy
May 27, 2022
What Texas GOP Leadership Has (and Has Not) Said in the Days Following Uvalde
“We need to stop the bad guys.” —Ted Cruz
Politics & Policy
May 3, 2021
What Exactly Does John Cornyn Do All Day? Well, for One Thing, He Tweets. A Lot.
A recent analysis found Texas’s senior senator is the most prolific tweeter in Congress.
BBQ
December 31, 2020
What Happened When I Attempted a Cornyn’d Beef Brisket
Hint: “Trim all visible fat."
Politics & Policy
November 4, 2020
Roundup: Texas Elections 2020
Donald Trump wins the state, John Cornyn defeats MJ Hegar, and Democrats fail to make substantial gains in Congress or the Legislature.
Politics & Policy
November 3, 2020
Can Big, Bland John Cornyn Coast to a Fourth Term in the Senate?
Cornyn's race against MJ Hegar has been relatively sleepy, but that is to the senior senator’s advantage.
Politics & Policy
April 16, 2020
Bull Session: Louie Gohmert Has a Cure for the Coronavirus—Imagination!
Plus, the Texas Freedom Caucus projects its own dangerous fantasies, and even more stir-crazy pols.
Politics & Policy
April 7, 2020
Seeking to Represent Sugar Land, Kathaleen Wall Decides to Run Against China
The candidate is running in a district that’s home to more Asian Americans than anywhere else in Texas. Her newest campaign ad blames the People's Republic for the coronavirus pandemic.
Politics & Policy
March 26, 2020
Bull Session: John Cornyn Will Just “Blah Blah Blah” His Way Through This
Plus, Chip Roy demands this pandemic set an end date already.
Politics & Policy
March 19, 2020
Bull Session: Not Even a Pandemic Can Change John Cornyn or Louie Gohmert
The Texas senator and congressman, along with Chip Roy, remain incorrigible in the face of the coronavirus.
The National Podcast of Texas
December 10, 2019
MJ Hegar: “Texans Have Very Sensitive BS Meters”
On this week’s National Podcast of Texas, the Senate candidate outlines her plan to unseat John Cornyn.
Politics & Policy
November 19, 2019
A Texas Politician’s Guide to Avoiding the Press
Fourteen strategies to deal with uncomfortable questions about impeachment proceedings.
The National Podcast of Texas
November 4, 2019
The Texas Tribune’s Evan Smith Celebrates 10 Years of Nonprofit Journalism
On this week’s National Podcast of Texas, the digital news startup’s CEO and co-founder discusses how a risky bet on covering Texas politics and public policy paid off.
Politics & Policy
October 2, 2019
Trump’s Texas Allies Just Can’t Quite Figure Out How to Defend Him
John Cornyn and other Republicans are doing their best to explain away the Ukraine scandal, but their best just looks silly.
Politics & Policy
September 27, 2019
The Texas Politicians Who Have Rallied to Trump’s Defense, From the Gutsy to the Gutless
Impeachment is serious business. And so is the political calculating that goes into how to respond.
Politics & Policy
September 24, 2019
Is John Cornyn Vulnerable?
For many years, taking on the senior Texas senator seemed like a fool's errand. But in 2020, Cornyn looks less than invincible.
Politics & Policy
August 12, 2019
Workers Defense Project Founder Cristina Tzintzún Ramirez Is the Latest Democrat to Take on John Cornyn
The community organizer is expected to make a play for millennials and young people of color.
Politics & Policy
July 16, 2019
Should Beto O’Rourke Drop Out?
His fundraising is bad, his poll numbers are worse, and some Texans still think he should run for Senate.
Politics & Policy
May 2, 2019
Takeaways From Emerson’s Texas Senate and Presidential Poll
In a new presidential poll of Texas, Beto, Bernie, and Biden all look competitive against Trump. But it's far too early to make too much of that.
Politics & Policy
May 1, 2019
Joaquin Castro Says ‘No’ to Senate Run Against John Cornyn
The San Antonio congressman said he feels he can accomplish more in the majority party in the U.S. House
Politics & Policy
April 22, 2019
Flush With Cash, Senator John Cornyn Is Daring Democrats to Challenge Him
The state’s senior U.S. senator is calling out Joaquin Castro and MJ Hegar in particular.
Politics & Policy
March 15, 2019
Joaquin Castro “All But Certain” to Challenge John Cornyn for U.S. Senate, Source Says
A Joaquin Castro candidacy instantly makes next year's Senate race competitive, observers say.
The National Podcast of Texas
March 7, 2019
Wendy Davis: “The Midterms Were a Wake-up Call for Republican Leaders in Texas”
On the latest National Podcast of Texas, the 2014 gubernatorial candidate on her latest thinking about a potential run against John Cornyn, Beto O’Rourke’s future, and the status of the upcoming Sandra Bullock film centered on her filibuster.
Politics & Policy
February 5, 2019
If Beto Runs for President, Where Does That Leave Texas?
John Cornyn may be vulnerable and 2020 looks even better than 2018 for Democrats—but who will run?
Politics & Policy
December 12, 2018
John Cornyn Says He Won’t Ride on Donald Trump’s Coattails for 2020 Election
Texas's senior U.S. senator says he will have to make the case for his re-election based on his positions, not those of the president.
Politics & Policy
November 30, 2018
Legally, Beto O’Rourke Can Run for President and Senate in 2020
Texas law would allow Beto to take a shot at the White House and at Senator John Cornyn at the same time.
Politics & Policy
October 3, 2018
Ted Cruz and John Cornyn’s Stances on Brett Kavanaugh Confirm Their Allegiances to the Old Boys’ Club
Of course it wasn’t any wonder that our Texas senators couldn’t find it in their hearts or minds to consider Dr. Christine Blasey Ford’s version of events.
Politics & Policy
August 8, 2018
Senator John Cornyn Is Pulling for Pop Singer Demi Lovato
The second ranking Republican expressed admiration for the Dallas diva following reports of her drug overdose and entering rehab.
The National Podcast of Texas
January 19, 2018
National Podcast of Texas, Episode Three
On this episode, we dive into Beto O'Rourke's moonshot campaign, catch up with Laredo's nightcrawler, and talk to Gay Gaddis about her new book, 'Cowgirl Power: How to Kick ass in Business and Life.
Politics & Policy
November 2, 2017
John Cornyn Takes a Trump Nominee Hostage for Harvey
Cornyn's tactics to get hurricane recovery money for Texas have angered two tea party groups.
Politics & Policy
May 16, 2017
Cornyn Withdraws from FBI Short List
Cornyn backs out of the FBI director race.
Politics & Policy
February 7, 2017
How Are Texas Elected Officials Dealing With An Unusual Amount Of Constituent Engagement?
In Houston, Austin, and even Temple, senators and representatives are hearing from a section of the constituency that’s been quiet until now.
Politics & Policy
January 14, 2017
Mad Dog and the Senator from Central Casting
Ted Cruz, John Cornyn, and senatorial demeanor.
Politics & Policy
January 9, 2014
Steve Stockman, Bitcoin Player
The Senate hopeful raises dough the Bitcoin way.
Politics & Policy
December 18, 2013
The Steve Stockman Non-Story
News flash: Steve Stockman has no chance to beat John Cornyn. So why is the media writing all of these stories?
Politics & Policy
December 13, 2013
Why a Stockman Challenge Is Good for Cornyn
If, or really when, Cornyn wins the 2014 primary, it will be as a Republican who was taken to task by the tea party and prevailed.
Politics & Policy
December 6, 2013
Stuck in the Middle
Harry Reid to the left of him. The tea party to the right. Senator John Cornyn on the challenges of running a “big tent” GOP in a time of fierce partisanship.
Politics & Policy
October 31, 2013
David Barton to Challenge John Cornyn?
The evangelical leader's candidacy would be enough to cause major heartburn among the GOP establishment in Texas.
Politics & Policy
September 30, 2013
Republican Civil War
How long can the Republican party endure the civil war that is raging between tea party conservatives and mainstream conservatives?
The Daily Post
September 24, 2013
John Cornyn’s Quest To End “Murderabilia”
Senator John Cornyn has tried three times in seven years to pass a law outlawing the sale of "murderabilia," or memorabilia connected to famous criminals—will tying his latest attempt to the sale of a letter by Nidal Hasan help him finally get it through?
The Daily Post
September 16, 2013
Shooting At Washington Naval Yard Recalls Fort Hood
The shooting at the Washington Naval Yard comes as Texas Senators seek support for a bill declaring Major Nadal Hasan's attack on Fort Hood to be "terrorism."
Politics & Policy
August 8, 2013
Gohmert v. Cornyn
The uncivil war inside the Texas Republican party may be about to break wide open. Elements of the Tea Party are encouraging Tyler congressman Louie Gohmert to challenge U.S. senator John Cornyn in the Republican primary.
Politics & Policy
February 11, 2013
Do the D’s Have a Shot at Cornyn?
On January 30, Public Policy Polling, a Democratic firm, released a poll on the U.S. Senate race in Texas. Did someone just say, What U.S. Senate race in Texas? Well, PPP surveyed John Cornyn’s prospects of keeping his seat against four Democratic opponents. As PPP put it, most
Politics & Policy
January 30, 2013
Cornyn, Cruz oppose Kerry confirmation
The emergence of Ted Cruz has made life miserable for Minority Whip John Cornyn. Cruz constantly has the senior senator for Texas looking over his right shoulder. Cornyn voted against Kerry as secretary of state, as did Cruz, but it’s likely that he did so only to inoculate himself against
Politics & Policy
January 21, 2013
Election Night: Ten Takeaways
Cruz cruises, Wendy Davis holds on, Pete Gallego scores an upset, Karl Rove gets cranky, and six other election highlights from around the state and country.