Cornyn Praises Angela Paxton Days Before May 26 Runoff

U.S. Sen. John Cornyn praised Texas State Sen. Angela Paxton as a "tireless advocate for children" on April 30, 2026, during a Senate Judiciary Committee discussion. He spotlighted her co-authorship of Texas's TREY’s Law, which bans non-disclosure agreements in child sexual abuse cases. The comments come three weeks before Cornyn faces Angela's estranged husband, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, in a May 26 Republican Senate primary runoff.

Cornyn Ties Federal Push to State Model

Cornyn backed two federal bills during National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Sen. Josh Hawley's GUARD Act sets AI guardrails to block child abuse material online. Sen. Ted Cruz's TREY’S Law mirrors the Texas version by prohibiting NDAs that silence victims. Cornyn highlighted Angela Paxton's role in the state law as a blueprint for national action, according to his official statement.

This fits Cornyn's record on the issue. He cosponsored the Kids Online Safety Act, or KOSA, which targets addictive algorithms and harmful content on platforms. Platforms faced pressure after reports showed failures to remove known child exploitation material. Cornyn's office noted his long push for tech accountability, detailed on his site.

Paxton Race Centers Family and Character Attacks

Ken Paxton advanced to the runoff after the March 3 primary, setting up a clash with Cornyn. The campaign turned personal fast. Paxton released AI-generated ads hitting Cornyn on border policy and establishment ties. Cornyn countered by referencing Paxton's legal troubles and July 2025 divorce filing from Angela Paxton, which cited adultery. The Texas Tribune tracked how family issues dominated attack ads.

No exact primary percentages appear in initial sources, but both cleared the field for a head-to-head after splitting the vote. Paxton's base includes hard-right activists furious at Cornyn's bipartisan deals, like gun safety talks post-Uvalde. Cornyn holds donor cash and party infrastructure edges.

Praise Lands in Divorce Shadow

Angela Paxton filed for divorce in July 2025 amid Ken's scandals, including securities fraud charges and an FBI probe into his AG office. She stayed married through his 2023 impeachment trial, where she recused from voting. The couple's split fueled campaign barbs. Cornyn's nod to her work sidesteps Ken entirely, focusing on policy overlap.

Texas TREY’s Law passed in 2023. It voids NDAs in abuse suits, forcing public accountability. Angela Paxton co-authored it with Rep. Trey Martinez Fischer, a rare bipartisan effort. Victims' groups pushed the measure after cases where settlements gagged survivors. Cornyn's praise elevates her profile in a race where family ties sting.

Early Endorsements Shape Runoff Dynamics

Cornyn secured nods from Gov. Greg Abbott and most Texas GOP congressional delegation. Paxton counts on grassroots donors and Trump allies. A Wikipedia summary of the race lists early money leads for Cornyn at over $10 million raised by February. Paxton leaned on small-dollar hauls topping $5 million.

Child safety unites conservatives. Polls show 80% of GOP voters back stricter online rules, per recent surveys. Cornyn positions as the proven legislator. Paxton attacks him as Washington sellout. No media outlets reacted yet to the Angela praise specifically. Coverage sticks to attack lines.

Runoff ballots drop May 26. Early voting starts May 18. Winner takes the seat in November.