U.S. Sen. John Cornyn opened the 2026 Texas Republican Senate primary with a financial lead, reporting $3.9 million in second-quarter contributions and widening his cash advantage over challenger Attorney General Ken Paxton. Federal filings reviewed by multiple news organizations show Cornyn outraised Paxton by about $1 million during the three-month period ended 30 June, with Paxton’s report listing approximately $2.9 million. The quarter is the first in which both men have actively campaigned for the seat. Paxton publicly disputed the published figures, claiming—without releasing documentation—that his campaign actually collected $2.1 million more than the incumbent. Official tallies will be confirmed when the candidates’ reports are posted by the Federal Election Commission later this month. The fundraising duel comes as Cornyn prepares to air his first statewide television advertisement on 16 July. Conservative commentators contend the spot relies on selectively edited 2019 remarks by former President Donald Trump to suggest an endorsement, and have also accused Cornyn of inflating his fundraising by “385 percent.” Cornyn’s team, which touts backing from the National Border Patrol Council and several Texas law-enforcement figures, has not addressed the editing allegations.