safety
Cornyn says closed primaries could backfire on Texas GOP, breaking with Abbott, Paxton
By By Samanta Habashy The Texas Tribune at Denton Record-Chronicle
· June 26, 2026
· 1 min read
WASHINGTON — Sen. John Cornyn on Friday came out against top Texas Republicans’ efforts to close the state’s GOP primaries, warning that to do so would be “paving the way to minority party status.”
Key takeaway John Cornyn on Friday came out against top Texas Republicans’ efforts to close the state’s GOP primaries, warning that to do so would be “paving the way to minority party status.
Why this matters in Denton News
The potential shift to closed primaries in Texas could have significant implications for Denton County, where voters have historically shown a willingness to cross party lines. If the state's GOP primaries were to be closed, it could lead to a more polarized electorate in the county, potentially altering the dynamics of local elections. This, in turn, could impact the way city government and school board members are elected, as well as the representation of Denton's interests in the state legislature. As a result, voters in Denton may want to pay close attention to the ongoing debate over primary election rules, as it could ultimately affect the balance of power in local politics. The fact that Sen. Cornyn is breaking with other prominent Texas Republicans on this issue adds a layer of complexity to the discussion, and may indicate a deeper divide within the party that could play out in Denton County.
About this story
Original reporting by Denton Record-Chronicle . Denton News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit Denton Record-Chronicle . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: June 26, 2026 ·
Source: Denton Record-Chronicle ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? WASHINGTON — Sen. John Cornyn on Friday came out against top Texas Republicans’ efforts to close the state’s GOP primaries, warning that to do so would be “paving the way to minority party status.”
When was this published? This article was first published on June 26, 2026 by Denton Record-Chronicle and curated for Denton News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by By Samanta Habashy The Texas Tribune at Denton Record-Chronicle. To learn more about how Denton News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from Denton News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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