One of the most formidable conservative contenders in the 2026 cycle may have already outpaced his incumbent rival in Texas. State Attorney General Ken Paxton reported raising \$2.1 million more than U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) in the second quarter, leaving the longtime senator trailing in the fundraising race.

Paxton’s campaign announced the haul in a press release that took a sharp jab at Cornyn, mockingly calling him “Little John.” Paxton claimed, “The fundraising numbers paint a very clear picture. The movement to fire John Cornyn has more enthusiasm right now than any other Senate campaign in America.” He also noted that his campaign has raised more cash than any other non-incumbent Republican so far this cycle.

Paxton challenged Cornyn’s fundraising figures, accusing the senator of exaggerating. “His campaign committee couldn’t even raise \$1 million last quarter, let alone the \$3.9 million he claimed,” Paxton said, urging reporters to question Cornyn’s math or honesty.

In response, Cornyn’s campaign issued a competing press release claiming to have outraised Paxton, reporting a combined \$3.9 million haul in the second quarter, including funds from his campaign and an affiliated super PAC. Despite this, Cornyn entered July with \$8.9 million cash on hand, a sum some see as insufficient for expensive Texas media markets like Dallas and Houston.

Cornyn’s campaign manager Andy Hemming expressed confidence in their resources, emphasizing the need to highlight Cornyn’s conservative record while attacking Paxton’s “mismanagement” and “ethical failures.” While Texas remains a Republican stronghold, Democrats are watching closely, hoping a hard-right challenger might unseat Cornyn in the GOP primary.