Ex-Astronaut Challenges Sen. John Cornyn As Democrat

The Texas Tribune reports:

Terry Virts, a former astronaut and International Space Station commander, announced Monday he is running for the U.S. Senate in Texas as a Democrat. With his campaign launch, Virts became the first Democrat to join what is likely to be a crowded primary field vying for the seat currently held by Republican U.S. Sen. John Cornyn.

In a video announcing his candidacy, Virts, 57, drew on his background as an astronaut while distancing himself from the Democratic establishment. “After every mission, we debrief, no excuses, just the truth,” he said. “After the 2024 election disaster, Washington Democratic leadership skipped the debrief.”

He went on to accuse national party leaders of clinging to “the same old bankrupt ideas that they, and not voters, should pick our candidates and that we should run the same old, tired playbook again, hoping for a different outcome.”

Read the full article. Multiple polls have shown Cornyn trailing his main GOP challenger, Texas AG Ken Paxton. Trump has so far not weighed in.

I’m launching a campaign for U.S. Senate. I’m seeking to serve Texas because I love my country—I believe in its ideals and values. I’m an Air Force Colonel and an astronaut, but really, I’m an American first, a Texan second, and a common-sense Democrat 3rd. It’s time for change. pic.twitter.com/OBHL1QjkZx

— Terry Virts (@AstroTerry) June 23, 2025