Ken Paxton seeks U.S. Senate seat in Nov. 3 election

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is running for U.S. Senate as a Republican in the Nov. 3 general election.

Paxton, who has served as attorney general since 2014, says on his campaign website that he wants to help finish the border wall, cut taxes and support President Trump's agenda in Washington. He faces Democratic candidate James Talarico and Libertarian Ted Brown, according to BallotReady election data.

Candidate information

Party: Republican
Office sought: U.S. Senate, Texas
Election date: Nov. 3, 2026
Ballot status: Certified for the ballot
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

Paxton served as a state representative in the Texas House of Representatives from 2002 to 2012, then as a senator in the Texas Senate from 2012 to 2015, according to BallotReady profile data. He has served as attorney general of Texas since 2014.

Before entering public office, Paxton worked as an attorney at Strasburger & Price LLP from 1991 to 1995 and as in-house counsel at JC Penny Company, Inc. He has owned Ken Paxton Attorney at Law since 2002, according to BallotReady.

On the issues

Paxton states the following positions on his campaign website and in BallotReady candidate responses.

Border security and immigration: Paxton says he is running to help complete the border wall and protect national sovereignty. He says he will help deport what he calls criminal illegal aliens, secure the border and finish wall construction.

Taxes and the economy: Paxton describes himself as a strong fiscal conservative who will fight to cut taxes and stop wasteful spending. He points to the national debt exceeding $36 trillion. He says he supports President Trump's economic agenda and will work to revitalize American manufacturing and create American jobs.

Guns: Paxton says he will protect Second Amendment rights. Gun Owners of America has endorsed his candidacy.

Abortion: Paxton describes himself as pro-life. He says he will defend the unborn.

Election integrity: Paxton says safeguarding election integrity is one of his top priorities as attorney general and a primary function of state government.