Paxton weaponizes MLK Day DEI ruling to go after Cornyn in Texas Senate race

Attorney General Ken Paxton releases a 74-page MLK Day opinion arguing that diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives are unconstitutional and uses it to directly attack Sen. John Cornyn in the Texas GOP primary. Legal experts say the opinion is not binding and cannot overturn laws, while critics call it a campaign tactic as Texas continues to bar DEI in state institutions. The piece frames the ruling within a broader Republican effort against DEI and notes potential chilling effects on state agencies and private employers ahead of the primary.