Ken Paxton seeks U.S. Senate seat in 2026 Texas race

Ken Paxton, the Republican attorney general of Texas, is running for U.S. Senate in the 2026 general election. He faces James Talarico, a Democrat, and Ted Brown, a Libertarian.

Paxton has served as attorney general since 2014.

On his campaign website, he says he is running to cut taxes, secure the border and support President Trump's agenda in Washington.

Candidate information

Party: Republican
Office sought: U.S. Senate - Texas
Election date: Nov. 3, 2026
Ballot status: Certified for the ballot, according to BallotReady
Education: Bachelor's degree in psychology, Baylor University (1985); master of business administration, Baylor University (1986); juris doctor, University of Virginia School of Law (1991)

Experience and public service

State representative, Texas House of Representatives (2002–2012), according to BallotReady
Senator, Texas Senate (2012–2015), according to BallotReady
Attorney general, State of Texas (2014–present), according to BallotReady
Owner, Ken Paxton Attorney at Law (2002–present), according to BallotReady
Attorney, Strasburger & Price LLP (1991–1995), according to BallotReady
In-house counsel, JC Penny Company, Inc., according to BallotReady

On the issues

The following positions are Paxton's own statements, drawn from his campaign website and BallotReady candidate responses.

Border security and immigration: Paxton says he is running to help President Trump finish the border wall and protect national sovereignty. He says he will help President Trump deport people he describes as "criminal illegal aliens" whom he says were allowed into the country under the previous administration, secure the border and complete wall construction. As attorney general, he says he has made it a top priority to work with the Department of Public Safety, local law enforcement and the executive cabinet to achieve operational control of the border.

Taxes and the economy: Paxton describes himself as a strong fiscal conservative who will fight to cut taxes and stop what he calls wasteful spending that has led to more than $36 trillion in national debt. He says he supports President Trump's economic agenda and will work to remove what he calls harmful regulations on energy companies, revitalize American manufacturing and create American jobs.

Second Amendment: Paxton says he will protect gun rights. As attorney general, he says he has fought to protect Second Amendment rights.

Abortion: Paxton says he is pro-life and will defend the unborn.

Election integrity: Paxton says safeguarding election integrity is one of his top priorities as attorney general and a primary function of state government.