In a heated battle for Texas’ 2026 U.S. Senate Republican primary, incumbent Senator John Cornyn is under fire for his controversial role in pushing gun control.
Cornyn’s actions have sparked outrage among voters who prioritize their Constitutional right to bear arms. The controversy erupted when Cornyn, in a recent X post, dismissed accusations from Texas Gun Rights, the state’s leading firearms advocacy group and affiliate to the National Association for Gun Rights, that he collaborated with the Biden Administration to pass gun control legislation.
When pressed about his leadership in the 2022 Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, Cornyn curtly replied, “No,” prompting accusations of selective memory.
The act, which Cornyn championed alongside Democrats, expanded background checks, tightened restrictions, and introduced new federal firearms offenses — moves many Texas gun owners view as a betrayal of their rights.
Texas Gun Rights wasted no time calling out Cornyn, with president Chris McNutt telling Breitbart News:
“Cornyn’s denial of his anti-gun record is an insult to every Texan who values their Constitutional freedoms. His leadership in passing Biden’s gun control bill is a clear violation of the trust placed in him by voters.”
McNutt emphasized that the 2022 legislation, which Cornyn proudly touted at the time, infringes on the rights of law-abiding gun owners while doing little to address actual crime.
Cornyn’s opponent, Ken Paxton, has seized on the issue, positioning himself as a staunch defender of the Second Amendment. In a statement on X, Paxton declared,
“Texans haven’t forgotten Cornyn’s cozy deal with Biden to restrict our gun rights. We need a Senator who fights for the Constitution, not against it.”
Paxton’s campaign has gained traction among grassroots conservatives, who see him as a bold alternative to Cornyn’s establishment record. Recent polls reflect this sentiment, with an Emerson College survey showing Cornyn holding only a one-point lead over Paxton, a stark contrast to earlier polls where Paxton led by significant margins.
Cornyn has attempted to deflect criticism, claiming the 2022 legislation imposes “no restrictions on law-abiding Texans.” However, TXGR and NAGR argue that measures like expanded background checks and incentives for “Red Flag” Gun Confiscation laws create dangerous precedents, potentially allowing the government to disarm citizens without due process.
The primary fight is shaping up to be a defining moment for the Texas GOP, with gun rights at the forefront.
Paxton has been rallying conservatives who demand unwavering support for their Constitutional protections and has received endorsements from both TXGR-PAC and NAGR- PAC.
McNutt provided further comment:
“The Second Amendment isn’t negotiable. Texans deserve a senator who will defend our rights without compromise, and Cornyn’s track record proves he’s not that leader.”
With Paxton’s campaign gaining momentum, the race is set to test whether Texas Republicans will stand firm for their gun rights or continue to back an incumbent accused of siding with the anti-gun establishment.
