In a stunning blowout on May 26, Texas Republicans chose state Attorney General Ken Paxton over incumbent U.S. Sen. John Cornyn in a mudslinging runoff that saw both men battling to the bitter end.

With 63% of the vote, according to The Associated Press – a massive margin – voters handed Paxton a decisive victory over the establishment conservatism that Cornyn represented, making a clear statement about what Texas Republicans want in Washington. It's a warning to observers about American politics.

Texans now face a Senate race between Paxton and Democratic state Rep. James Talarico in November, a contest that in many ways reflects the worst impulses of both parties. The race between these two candidates exemplifies today’s polarized political climate.

With Paxton's win, Republicans reject old GOP playbook

Republicans chose Paxton over Cornyn. Living in Texas, and having observed Cornyn for many years, it’s easy to see why voters grew tired of his establishment style – even if he did build coalitions in the U.S. Senate. But it’s hard to imagine Paxton, who has made enemies even within his own attorney general’s office, doing that at all.

Bipartisanship still matters in Washington, even under a Republican majority. But Paxton has........

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