Paxton Faces Republican Rift After Defeating Cornyn in Primary

Republican divisions in Texas have intensified ahead of the US Senate election, with allies of Ken Paxton and supporters of Sen. John Cornyn blaming each other for the party's continuing internal conflict. According to NBC News interviews with more than a dozen Texas Republicans involved in the dispute, tensions remain high following Paxton's victory over Cornyn in the contentious primary.

Paxton has faced a series of damaging disclosures, including leaked private conversations, reports about past romantic relationships and criticism of his physical appearance. Some of his allies suspect political opponents within the Republican Party are behind efforts to undermine his candidacy, while other Republicans believe his unfavorable standing has made him a difficult candidate to support. The dispute has exposed persistent divisions among Texas Republicans, with both camps facing pressure to repair relationships after the primary.

NBC News reported that people on opposing sides disagree over what is needed to reunite the party, raising concerns about whether the conflict can be resolved before Election Day.

Some Republicans close to Paxton believe allies of Cornyn are working to weaken his chances in the general election. Others within the party argue that Paxton's political liabilities, rather than an organized effort to sabotage him, explain why some Republicans are reluctant to associate themselves with his campaign.

The disagreements extend beyond personal grievances between the candidates and their allies. Interviews conducted by NBC News indicate that the divisions could complicate Republican efforts in a consequential election, as party members remain divided over responsibility for the deteriorating relationship. Paxton defeated Cornyn in the Republican primary, but the result has not ended the struggle for unity within the party. Instead, the aftermath has brought further scrutiny of the relationships among Republican officials and political operatives in Texas.

Meanwhile, Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico addressed his recent absence from the campaign trail. He attributed the interruption to a severe illness, describing it as a "nasty case of the flu." Talarico's explanation came as the Senate contest continued amid Republican infighting. His campaign is challenging Paxton in the general election, while the divisions among Republicans remain unresolved.

NBC News also reported that some Republicans fear the continuing dispute could sideline broader party efforts ahead of the election. Although supporters on both sides have called for greater unity, the interviews found little indication that a reconciliation was imminent.