If you want to understand the current state of American politics, you kinda have to look at Texas. Specifically, you have to look at Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. Depending on who you ask in Austin or at a roadside diner in Lubbock, he’s either a fearless constitutional crusader or a guy who has dodged more legal bullets than a Hollywood action hero.
The reality? It’s complicated. It's messy. And honestly, it’s far more interesting than the headlines suggest.
Paxton has been the state’s top lawyer since 2015. In that time, he’s become the "litigator-in-chief" for the conservative movement. He doesn't just wait for cases to come to him; he goes looking for them. Whether it's suing the federal government over immigration or investigating grocery chains for spraying "Produce Maxx" on organic apples, Paxton stays busy.
Why Paxton is the Ultimate Political Survivor
Most politicians fold after one scandal. Paxton has survived a decade of them. We’re talking about a 2015 securities fraud indictment that hung over his head for nine years before finally being settled in 2024. Then there was the 2023 impeachment. That was a wild ride. The Texas House—led by members of his own party—voted to impeach him on 20 articles, including bribery and abuse of public trust.
People thought he was done. But the Texas Senate acquitted him on all counts. He didn't just survive; he came back swinging. By early 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice even dropped its long-running investigation into the same allegations. Basically, by the time we hit 2026, Paxton had effectively cleared his legal windshield.
He didn't waste time playing defense. He went right back to the courtroom.
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The 2026 Senate Primary: A Clash of Titans
Right now, the biggest story in Texas politics isn't what's happening in the courtroom, but what’s happening on the campaign trail. Ken Paxton is currently locked in a dead heat for the 2026 Republican U.S. Senate primary. His opponent? Incumbent Senator John Cornyn.
This isn't just a regular election. It's a civil war for the soul of the Texas GOP.
- The Cornyn Camp: Focuses on experience, institutional power, and a more traditional brand of conservatism.
- The Paxton Camp: Positions him as the true "America First" warrior who isn't afraid to get his hands dirty.
Polls from late 2025 showed them within a point of each other. Cornyn has the money, but Paxton has the grassroots energy. He’s also got a massive trump card: an incredibly tight relationship with Donald Trump. Paxton was one of the few who stood on that stage on January 6th, and he led the long-shot lawsuit to overturn the 2020 election results. That kind of loyalty pays dividends in a primary.
What He’s Actually Doing as Attorney General
Beyond the headlines about "RINOs" and "witch hunts," Paxton’s office is a powerhouse of litigation. It’s important to understand the scale here. He has sued the Biden administration over 100 times.
Recently, his focus has shifted to what he calls "corporate overreach" and "consumer protection." In early January 2026, he launched a massive investigation into grocery stores. Why? Because they were allegedly misting organic produce with a pesticide called Produce Maxx without telling anyone.
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He also just secured a victory against the City of San Antonio. The city tried to use taxpayer money to fund "abortion tourism"—basically paying for travel for out-of-state procedures. Paxton blocked it. He also went after Samsung, claiming their smart TVs were "spying" on Texans in their living rooms.
It’s a specific brand of populism. He mixes high-level constitutional battles (like fighting DACA at the Fifth Circuit) with "kitchen table" issues like fluoride in toothpaste or hidden hotel fees.
The Misconceptions
People often think Paxton is universally disliked by the Texas establishment. That’s not true. While the "Big Three" in Texas—the Governor, Lt. Governor, and Speaker—haven't always been his best friends, he has a solid base.
- "He's only about the culture war." Actually, his office runs the most successful child support division in the country, collecting nearly $5 billion annually.
- "He's legally toxic." While the optics of his indictments were bad for years, his acquittals and the dismissal of federal charges have made him appear "untouchable" to his supporters.
- "He can't win a statewide race anymore." He won in 2022 by nearly 10 points. Texans have shown they are willing to overlook the noise if they like the results.
Dealing with the "Nate Paul" Shadow
You can't talk about Paxton without mentioning Nate Paul, the Austin real estate developer. This was the guy at the center of the impeachment. The allegation was that Paxton used his office to help Paul in exchange for home renovations and a job for a woman Paxton was reportedly having an affair with.
Paxton has always called these "disgruntled former employees" and "political hit jobs." After his acquittal, he settled the whistleblower lawsuit by basically saying he wouldn't contest the facts but wouldn't admit guilt either. It was a tactical move to end the bleeding.
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Is it settled? Legally, mostly. Politically? Cornyn is using it as a hammer in the 2026 race.
What This Means for You
If you live in Texas, or even if you don't, what Ken Paxton does matters. He’s a blueprint for how a state Attorney General can bypass the federal government and set national policy.
Actionable Insights for Following the 2026 Cycle:
- Watch the Endorsements: If Trump goes all-in for Paxton, the Senate primary might be over before it starts.
- Track the Fifth Circuit: Most of Paxton’s big wins happen there. It’s the most conservative appellate court in the country and his favorite venue.
- Check the Grocery Store Misting: If you buy organic in Texas, keep an eye on those "Produce Maxx" labels. Paxton’s investigation might actually change how your food is labeled by mid-year.
- Monitor the Senate Race Polls: The gap between Cornyn and Paxton is the best barometer for where the GOP is heading nationally.
Ken Paxton isn't going anywhere. Whether you view him as a hero or a villain, he’s a master of the political game who has redefined the role of a state Attorney General. The next few months of the Senate primary will tell us if his "survivor" streak can carry him all the way to Washington.