(The Epoch Times)—Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, with President Donald Trump’s endorsement, won the Texas Republican primary runoff against incumbent Sen. John Cornyn.
With almost 99 percent of the votes counted, Paxton took a whopping 64 percent of the vote to Cornyn’s 36 percent.
The runoff marked a dramatic turnaround for Cornyn, who, as a four-term senator, had led in the first round of the primary on March 3, winning 42 percent of the vote to Paxton’s 41 percent.
Paxton now faces Democratic challenger James Talarico in the November general election.
While Paxton, having emerged from several controversies, enjoys significant support from Republican voters, some Democrats reacted positively to Paxton’s win, viewing him as a candidate they might have more opportunities to challenge.
As the race moves forward, it is expected to be one of the most expensive ever, as Democrats anticipate a chance to win a statewide election in the midterms. Democrats haven’t won a statewide election since 1994.
Here’s what to know about Paxton.
‘MAGA Warrior’
Paxton is considered one of the most prominent U.S. legal conservatives, taking up issues such as defending the Texas border with Mexico, the Second Amendment, and the right to life.
He has also been closely aligned with Trump, becoming one of the first attorneys general to support Trump’s efforts to challenge the 2020 election. When endorsing Paxton, the president called him a “MAGA Warrior” who has always delivered for Texas, and criticized Cornyn for not being supportive enough during tough times.
Paxton filed more than 100 lawsuits against the Biden administration on immigration, border security, censorship, and to protect the state’s oil and gas industry.
One example is Paxton’s legal win that stopped the Biden administration’s attempt to redirect appropriated funds for border wall construction, thereby forcing the resumption of construction.
Securities Fraud Charges Dropped
After five months in office, Paxton was indicted in 2015 on first-degree felony securities fraud charges. He was accused of defrauding investors in the Dallas-area tech company Servergy by failing to disclose that he was paid by the company to recruit them.
The case lingered for nearly a decade, and prosecutors finally dropped the charges against him.
Under an agreement with the prosecution, Paxton was to pay $300,000 in restitution and perform community service without admitting guilt.
“There will never be a conviction in this case, nor am I guilty,” Paxton said in a statement at the time.
Impeachment Attempt Failed
In 2023, Paxton survived impeachment by the Texas legislature, becoming one of three state officials ever impeached. While Paxton was acquitted, the other two, former Gov. James Ferguson and former State District Judge O.P. Carrillo, were removed from office in 1917 and 1975, respectively.
With the backing of Dade Phelan, state House speaker at the time, the House issued 20 articles of impeachment, including charges of bribery, abuse of office to benefit a donor, and obstruction of justice. The Texas Senate acquitted him on all counts. The most senators voting to impeach on a single article was 14, well below the 21-vote threshold needed. Most were Democrats.
Paxton criticized his impeachment and temporary suspension from office, describing the proceedings as politically motivated and supported by Democrats and certain Republicans.
However, the impeachment exposed evidence of an extramarital affair. Angela Paxton, Paxton’s wife, who was also a sitting state senator during his impeachment trial, filed for divorce in 2025 after 38 years of marriage.
Lost Whistleblower Lawsuit
Paxton fired top deputies in 2020 after they accused him of bribery and abuse of office. The former employees reported him to the FBI, which launched an investigation during the Biden administration. Paxton denied the allegations against him.
After negotiations, Paxton agreed to pay the former staffers $3.3 million. However, the deal fell through, and the whistleblowers were ultimately awarded $6.6 million in 2025 by a judge who found that they were fired in retaliation and that Paxton violated the Texas Whistleblower Act.
Paxton decided not to appeal the case, but called the judgment “ridiculous” and “not based on the facts or the law.”
In early 2025, before Trump’s inauguration, the U.S. Department of Justice declined to prosecute Paxton, ending the federal probe into the whistleblower complaints.
Law License Threatened
In response to Paxton’s 2020 lawsuit challenging the presidential election results, the Texas State Bar filed an ethics suit against him related to his support of Trump’s claims.
The state bar had sought to sanction Paxton, and the punishment could have ranged from a private reprimand to disbarment.
The Texas Supreme Court dismissed the lawsuit in 2025 after the state bar filed a motion to dismiss. This came after the high court had previously tossed a separate lawsuit against Paxton’s top aide for involvement in the 2020 election challenge.
Starting the Day With a Scripture-Inspired Roast Helps Center Your Thoughts on Eternal Truths Amid Temporal Pressures
The world can seem chaotic, especially right after we wake up. Many believers start their mornings reaching for something familiar — a hot cup of coffee — yet end up settling for mediocre brews that do little more than deliver a caffeine jolt. The daily grind of life, with its endless distractions, news cycles, and responsibilities, can leave even the most faithful feeling spiritually parched alongside their physical fatigue. What if your morning ritual could do more than wake you up? What if it could ground you in truth, nourish your body with exceptional quality, and quietly advance a kingdom purpose at the same time?
That’s the promise — and the reality — behind Promised Grounds Coffee. This Christian-founded company doesn’t just roast beans; it approaches every step as an act of worship and discipleship. By selecting only the top 10% of specialty-grade beans, ethically sourced from dedicated farmers in Central and South America, and small-batch roasting them with reverence in Austin, Texas, Promised Grounds delivers what many describe as the best coffee available — never burnt, never bland, but rich with origin stories and layered flavors that honor God’s creation.
From the vibrant Psalm 27 Roast (a light, bright medium option) to the bold yet peaceful 2 Timothy 1:7 Decaf, each bag carries a Scripture verse that turns your daily pour into a gentle reminder of faith. And through their Ounce Per Ounce Promise, every ounce of coffee you enjoy provides an equal ounce of clean water to families in need via partnership with Filter of Hope — literally brewing hope for body and soul, one cup at a time.
The challenge for today’s Christians runs deeper than finding a decent cup. In an age of convenience-driven consumerism, it’s easy to support companies that dilute values or remain silent on matters of faith. Many believers want their everyday choices — from what they drink to how they spend — to reflect discipleship rather than just convenience. Promised Grounds solves this by weaving Christian excellence into the entire process: beans nurtured with prayerful stewardship by farming families, roasted as an offering rather than a commodity, and packaged with Bible verses to encourage a mindset of gratitude and purpose from the first sip. Reviewers consistently praise the smooth, rich profiles — whether enjoyed black in a drip maker, iced on a warm day, or shared in fellowship — noting how the quality stands toe-to-toe with premium secular brands while delivering something far more meaningful.
This integration of faith and flavor addresses a real need in Christian households and ministries. Busy parents, church leaders, and remote workers alike report that starting the day with a Scripture-inspired roast helps center their thoughts on eternal truths amid temporal pressures. The coffee’s exceptional character — bright citrus notes in lighter roasts or deep chocolate undertones in bolder ones — comes from meticulous selection and careful roasting that respects the bean’s natural gifts rather than masking them. It’s the kind of coffee that elevates a simple quiet time, fuels productive workdays, or sparks meaningful conversations when shared at Bible studies or outreach events. And because it’s ethically sourced with integrity, every purchase supports sustainable livelihoods for farmers who treat their crops like family harvests.
For those leading churches or small groups, the impact multiplies. Promised Grounds offers bundles and options perfect for hospitality ministries, turning ordinary coffee service into an opportunity to point people toward the living water of Christ. Imagine greeting visitors with a warm cup whose very bag carries God’s Word — a subtle yet powerful witness that aligns with the Great Commission. The company’s Texas roots and commitment to “brewing hope” resonate especially with believers who value American enterprise paired with global compassion.
Of course, quality alone isn’t enough if the experience feels out of reach. Promised Grounds keeps it accessible with practical perks like free shipping on orders over $40, sample sets for discovering favorites, and thoughtful add-ons such as faith-themed mugs. Whether you prefer whole beans for fresh grinding, grounds for convenience, or even bulk options for larger households and ministries, the result is consistently superior coffee that makes discipleship feel integrated rather than added on.
As you consider how to align even the smallest habits with your walk with God, Promised Grounds Coffee stands out as a refreshing solution. It tackles the dual problems of subpar daily sustenance and disconnected consumption by offering a product that genuinely excels in taste while advancing a mission of clean water, farmer dignity, and scriptural encouragement. Believers who make the switch often describe it as more than a beverage upgrade — it becomes part of their rhythm of gratitude, a daily invitation to remember that every good gift comes from above.
If you’re ready to transform your mornings (and perhaps your church gatherings) with coffee that honors both exceptional craftsmanship and Christian values, I encourage you to explore what Promised Grounds has to offer. One sip at a time, you’ll be nourishing your body, refreshing your spirit, and participating in something far greater — all while enjoying what truly is among the best coffee available.
