Republican senator from Texas since 2002, a four-term incumbent first elected after an endorsement from President George W. Bush. A former judge, Cornyn calls himself a "work horse" not a "show horse" and has pushed through many laws, sometimes working with Democrats. He strained to repeal Obamacare and still opposes gay marriage. Ten years ago he called Donald Trump an "albatross"; now he diligently rubber-stamps the president's agenda. He faces a primary challenge from Ken Paxton, the state's attorney-general.
Cornyn urged a federal investigation into EPIC City, a planned Muslim housing subdivision near Dallas, warning it "could violate the Constitutional rights of Jewish and Christian Texans"; the Department of Justice opened an inquiry. Greg Abbott, the state's governor, also amplified opposition to the development.
The cost of living hasn't affected its popularity.