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 general election. He faces Democrat James Talarico and Libertarian Ted Brown.

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. He is certified for the ballot, according to BallotReady election data.

Katy-area voters are already weighing in on the Paxton-Talarico matchup.

Candidate information

Party: Republican
Office sought: U.S. Senate, Texas
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), according to BallotReady profile data
State Representative, Texas House of Representatives (2002–2012), according to BallotReady profile data
In-house counsel, JC Penny Company, Inc., according to BallotReady profile data
Attorney, Strasburger & Price LLP (1991–1995), according to BallotReady profile data
Owner, Ken Paxton Attorney at Law (2002–present), according to BallotReady profile data

On the issues

Paxton states these positions on his campaign website and in responses collected by BallotReady.

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 has reviewed contracts and bond proposals to ensure tax money is spent wisely.

Economy: Paxton says he would work to remove regulations he says hurt energy companies. He says he supports revitalizing American manufacturing and creating jobs.

Guns: Paxton says he would protect Second Amendment rights. He fought for gun rights as attorney general, he says.

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