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Attorney General Ken Paxton has officially announced his candidacy for United States Senate. At home, the House State Affairs committee is debating two bills to regulate the hemp industry, with one proposing new restrictions and the other pushing for a broad THC ban, drawing opposition from law enforcement and businesses alike. Meanwhile, Governor Abbott has set a special election for November 4, 2025, to fill the vacant 18th Congressional District seat, sparking debate over election timing and representation concerns.
Today’s Insights:
Paxton Launches Senate Bid Against Cornyn
The House Takes on Hemp
Abbott Announces Election Date to Fill 18th Congressional District Seat
Image Credit: Fox News
Paxton Launches Senate Bid Against Cornyn
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has officially launched a 2026 Republican primary challenge against U.S. Senator John Cornyn, setting the stage for a high-profile contest between two well-known statewide officials representing different wings of the Republican Party. Paxton, who has served as attorney general since 2015 and is closely aligned with President Donald Trump, announced his candidacy during an appearance on Fox News. He criticized Cornyn for his long tenure in Washington and called for new leadership that would more forcefully support Trump’s policy agenda.
"It's time that we have another great senator that will actually stand up and fight for Republican values, fight for the values of the people of Texas and also support Donald Trump in the areas that he's focused on in a very significant way."
The race follows a tumultuous few years for Paxton, who was impeached by the Texas House in 2023 following allegations of corruption from former aides but was later acquitted in a Senate trial. He also reached a settlement to avoid trial in a long-running securities fraud case and remains a prominent legal opponent of the Biden administration. Cornyn, meanwhile, has faced some criticism from within the party for supporting bipartisan legislation, including a 2022 gun safety bill, and for suggesting that Trump might not be the best GOP nominee. Cornyn, who has served in the Senate since 2002 and previously held Paxton’s current office, now faces what is expected to be one of the most competitive Republican primaries in the country. As of this article’s publication, no Democratic challenger has officially entered the race.
Image Credit: The Texan
The House Takes on Hemp
On Monday, the House State Affairs committee discussed two bills aimed at regulating the growing hemp industry in Texas, which has expanded into a multi-billion-dollar market. One bill, HB 28, focuses on scaling back sales through new regulations, such as banning synthetic THC and products like gummies, while allowing hemp-infused beverages to be regulated similarly to alcohol. It also sets limits on daily purchases and the legal age of consumption, with an emphasis on preventing advertising to children. The other bill, SB 3, proposes a broader ban on all THC products, except those allowed by the Compassionate Use Program. Both bills have drawn opposition, with concerns raised about potential loopholes, over-regulation, and unintended consequences that could harm businesses and lead to a larger black market.
The committee heard testimony from both supporters and critics of the proposed legislation. Law enforcement officials, such as Allen Police Chief Steve Dye, expressed concerns about crime associated with hemp stores and the potential for further loopholes, particularly with THC beverages.
"Our concerns with House Bill 28 as written includes THC beverages, which should not be considered as a carve out. To us, the beverage is just another delivery method such as vapes, waxes and edibles. We can't rush this decision as it will only create another loophole that we'll be addressing again in 2027."
Image Credit: The Hill
Abbott Announces Election Date to Fill 18th Congressional District Seat
Governor Greg Abbott has set the date for the special election to fill the vacant 18th Congressional District seat, previously held by Congressman Sylvester Turner, for Tuesday, November 4, 2025. Candidates seeking to appear on the ballot must file with the Texas Secretary of State by 5 p.m. on September 3, 2025. Early voting will begin on October 20, 2025. During the interim period, the district will not have a voting representative in Congress, though local offices will continue providing constituent services. Governor Abbott emphasized the need for sufficient time for Harris County to prepare for the election, citing concerns over the county's handling of elections.
“No county in Texas does a worse job of conducting elections than Harris County.”
"They repeatedly fail to conduct elections consistent with state law. Safe and secure elections are critical to the foundation of our state. Forcing Harris County to rush this special election on weeks’ notice would harm the interests of voters. The appropriate time to hold this election is November, which will give Harris County sufficient time to prepare for such an important election.”
Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee, a candidate for the seat, criticized the delay, expressing concern over the district being without representation during hurricane season and budget negotiations.
We hope you enjoyed today’s read!
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