AUSTIN — In a last-minute surprise late Monday, U.S. Rep. Steve Stockman filed paperwork to challenge fellow Texas Republican and powerful incumbent John Cornyn for the U.S. Senate next year.
Cornyn is the Senate’s minority whip and had appeared likely to escape a major primary challenge from the tea party or other conservative factions. But Texas Republican Party spokesman Spencer Yeldell said Stockman walked into headquarters shortly before the 6 p.m. filing deadline, withdrew his previously submitted House re-election bid and entered the already crowded race against Cornyn.