The 2026 U.S. Senate race in Texas is escalating as candidates from both parties jockey for position ahead of the March 3 primary election. The contest centers on the seat currently held by Republican Sen. John Cornyn, who is seeking another term while facing a crowded and combative primary field.

Last week, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton released a new attack advertisement featuring an AI-generated version of Democratic Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, drawing attention not only for its use of artificial intelligence but also for its focus. Rather than criticizing Crockett’s policy positions, the ad targets her bipartisan work in Congress, an approach that Crockett and her campaign say underscores the strength of her candidacy.

The ad follows the release of a recent poll showing Crockett as the only Democratic candidate who defeats Paxton in a hypothetical head-to-head matchup. Shortly after the ad’s release, Crockett responded publicly, saying the attacks only amplify her message. “Thanks for keeping me on the airwaves, at no cost to me,” she said.

Crockett recently returned to Washington after completing 17 stops across Texas in just two days, meeting with voters, community leaders, and local advocates. Her campaign has emphasized direct voter engagement and a message centered on results-oriented leadership, contrasting that approach with what she describes as a Republican primary dominated by internal attacks and political distractions.

In Congress, Crockett has built a reputation for working across party lines on specific issues affecting Texans. She has partnered with Republicans and Democrats alike on efforts to combat the opioid epidemic, reduce fentanyl-related deaths, expand food security programs, and improve affordability for working families. Crockett has argued that bipartisan cooperation is not a liability but a necessity in a divided Congress.

“I will continue working with anyone who supports policies that deliver affordability and accountability for the people,” Crockett said, calling her bipartisan record a badge of honor. She added that Texans expect their elected officials to solve problems, not retreat into partisan gridlock.

Crockett has also used the moment to criticize broader Republican leadership in Washington, saying economic policies championed by former President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans have benefited wealthy donors while leaving many Texans struggling. She has framed the Senate race as a choice between political theater and substantive action.

On the Republican side, the primary remains highly contentious. Cornyn faces a challenge from Paxton, whose tenure as attorney general has included impeachment by the Texas House and ongoing legal controversies. Also running is U.S. Rep. Wesley Hunt of Houston, who has positioned himself as a conservative alternative and has criticized both Cornyn and Paxton while campaigning statewide.

Crockett pointed to the Republican primary dynamics in recent remarks, noting that Cornyn frequently references her in public statements, Paxton has faced personal and political turmoil, and Hunt has been criticized for missing congressional votes while campaigning. “While they are spinning their wheels, I am revving up my campaign bus and connecting the dots between Republican policies and the people’s pain,” Crockett said.

Important Election Dates for the 2026 Texas Primary:

• Early Voting for the March 3 Primary: February 17 through February 27, 2026.
• Primary Election Day: March 3, 2026.
• Last Day to Register to Vote: February 2, 2026.

As the race intensifies, the use of AI-generated campaign content and the debate over bipartisan governance are likely to remain central themes. With Texas holding one of the most closely watched Senate contests in the country, the outcome could have national implications for the balance of power in Washington.