Texas Senate Primary Highlights Redistricting Battle

Download IPFS

A political action committee (PAC) backing Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is spotlighting his aggressive role in the ongoing redistricting conflict that has stirred national attention ahead of the 2026 Senate primary in Texas. Paxton, a prominent figure within the MAGA wing of the GOP, is at the forefront of efforts to confront Democratic lawmakers who fled the state to block the Republican-controlled legislature’s vote on new congressional maps.

Lone Star Liberty PAC released a digital ad featuring various cable news clips and statements that underscore Paxton’s push to hold accountable those Democrats who abandoned their duties. The spot includes footage of Paxton advocating for the removal of these lawmakers from office and highlights conservative voices commending his actions. One notable image shows Paxton alongside former President Donald Trump, who remains officially neutral in the GOP primary contest.

This episode is a key element in what is shaping up to be one of the most intense Senate races in next year’s midterms, reflecting broader GOP efforts nationwide to protect their slim House majority. The stakes are particularly high in Texas, where redistricting could add five new Republican-leaning congressional districts.

Veteran Texas Republican strategist Tyler Norris told Fox News that both Paxton and incumbent Senator John Cornyn are utilizing every available strategy to help secure more seats for the GOP in Congress in 2026. Cornyn has publicly urged federal assistance to locate the Democrats who left Texas to prevent the vote, prompting FBI involvement after his request was approved.

“I am proud to announce that Director Kash Patel has approved my request for the FBI to assist state and local law enforcement in locating runaway Texas House Democrats,” Cornyn said in a statement. “We cannot allow these rogue legislators to avoid their constitutional responsibilities.”

Despite this, it is uncertain if the FBI will be able to compel the lawmakers’ return.

Meanwhile, Paxton is investigating whether political action committees linked to former Democratic Congressman Beto O’Rourke may have violated state law by aiding the fleeing Democrats. Paxton vowed to hold any lawbreakers accountable at a recent press conference, stating, “Any Democrat coward breaking the law by taking a Beto bribe will be held accountable.”

O’Rourke, who narrowly lost to Sen. Ted Cruz in 2018 and unsuccessfully sought the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination, has also publicly supported the lawmakers who fled. He was defeated by Governor Greg Abbott in 2022 and is reportedly considering a Senate run in 2026. O’Rourke responded to Paxton’s accusations on social media, calling him “the guy impeached for bribery” and urging supporters to stop what he described as an effort to “steal five Congressional seats.”

Among the Democrats who fled to Illinois to block the vote is State Senator James Talarico, who has conducted numerous interviews defending their actions. Former Congressman Colin Allred, the only major Democrat currently declared in the Senate race, has also expressed support for the fleeing lawmakers but has maintained a lower media profile than Talarico or O’Rourke.

The redistricting fight in Texas remains a critical flashpoint ahead of the midterms, highlighting the state’s growing political significance and the intense rivalry between established GOP leaders and challengers within their party.