Cornyn: GOP Must Fix Four Flaws to Win in 2028

Outgoing Senator John Cornyn of Texas published an opinion piece on Wednesday, one day after Republican candidates suffered losses in midterm elections across the nation and in his home state. He identified four specific failures in coalition politics that contributed to the results.

Cornyn, who lost his Senate seat to state Attorney General Ken Paxton in the Texas primary runoff, stated that the recent losses were both foreseeable and foreseen. He argued that the party failed to maintain broad voter appeal, select likeable candidates, deliver on promises, and demonstrate integrity.

The senator noted that the Republican coalition expanded in 2024 among white working-class voters, Latino men, and Black voters. He claimed that losing candidates this year, including Paxton and Representative Mike Collins, contracted that base by focusing on internal party divisions rather than general election appeal.

Cornyn also cited the defeat of Bo French in the Texas railroad commissioner race. French lost support after GOP lawmakers, including Cornyn, accused him of holding views that alienated college students of South Asian descent. The senator described a trend within the party that rewards performance over authenticity, a dynamic he called a strange reverse personality test.

The piece faulted the Trump administration for not fully delivering on 2024 campaign pledges regarding lower costs and expanded employment. Cornyn pointed to President Trump's declining approval ratings amid rising fuel costs and inflation driven by the Iran war and trade disputes with Canada. He wrote that voters elected a candidate who promised a practical plan but delivered a symbolic one.

On the issue of integrity, Cornyn warned that voters will not trust the party to reduce fraud in government programs until it cleans up its own ranks. He referenced his primary contest without naming Paxton, noting that Texas conservatives and independents were asked to accept a list of personal scandals and improprieties. Paxton has faced controversies in office related to his personal conduct and felony security fraud indictments.

Cornyn said he remains optimistic about the party's future. He defined the path forward as a big-tent Republican Party that is competent and focused on daily concerns, with space for both traditional conservatives and MAGA supporters. He pledged to help turn the page and restore integrity as the party prepares for the 2028 cycle.