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

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is running for U.S. Senate as a Republican in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election. He faces Democrat James Talarico and Libertarian Ted Brown, according to BallotReady election data.

Paxton, who has served as attorney general since 2014, says on his campaign website he would work alongside President Trump to secure the border, cut taxes and reduce federal spending.

Candidate information

Party: Republican
Office sought: U.S. Senate - Texas
Election date: Nov. 3, 2026
Ballot status: Certified for the ballot
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

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

On the issues

The following positions are stated by Paxton on his campaign website and through BallotReady candidate responses.

Border security and immigration: Paxton says he is running to help finish the border wall and protect national sovereignty. He says he would help deport people he describes as "criminal illegal aliens," secure the border and complete wall construction.

Taxes and spending: Paxton describes himself as a fiscal conservative who would fight to cut taxes and stop what he calls wasteful spending that has led to more than $36 trillion in national debt. As attorney general, he says he reviews contracts and bond proposals to ensure tax money is spent wisely. He says he would aggressively investigate and prosecute Medicaid fraud to protect tax dollars.

Economy: Paxton says he would work to bring down costs, remove regulations he calls harmful to energy companies, revitalize American manufacturing and create jobs.

Guns: Paxton says he would protect Second Amendment rights. He says he fights to defend them as attorney general.

Abortion: Paxton describes himself as pro-life. He says he would defend the unborn.