John Cornyn

John Cornyn is originally from San Antonio. He earned a bachelor's degree in journalism from Trinity University, a master's degree in law from the University of Virginia, and a law degree from St. Mary University. He lives with his wife, Sandy, and has two daughters.

John is currently serving his fourth term as a U.S. senator from Texas. He was first elected to the Senate in 2002. Before that, he served as the Texas attorney general from 1999 to 2002 and as an elected justice on the Texas Supreme Court from 1991 to 1997.

Cornyn, John

John currently serves as a U.S. senator from Texas. He was first elected in 2002 and is serving his fourth term. He previously served as Texas attorney general from 1999 to 2002, a Texas Supreme Court justice from 1991 to 1997, and a Bexar County District Court judge from 1984 to 1990.

Supports increasing oil and natural gas production.

Supports a balanced budget amendment to the U.S. constitution.

- Supports increasing oil and natural gas production.
- Supports a balanced budget amendment to the U.S. constitution.
- Supports reduced tax rates.

Economy

As senator introduced S.3366, "to increase penalties for criminals who target law enforcement officers and provide new tools for officers to protect themselves."

As senator, "[i]ntroduced legislation to reauthorize the Project Safe Neighborhoods Grant Program, which is a nationwide law enforcement program that uses evidence-based and data-driven approaches to reduce violent crime."

As senator, "[i]ntroduced the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, now law, which is a targeted bill to address the specific problems that have led to recent mass shootings, including a need for additional mental health and school safety resources."

As senator, introduced legislation "to help ensure federal and state authorities comply with existing law and accurately report relevant criminal history records to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS)."

As senator, introduced legislation to "reauthorize critical grants for mental health courts, crisis intervention teams, and other programs."

- Opposes gun control.
- As senator introduced S.3366, "to increase penalties for criminals who target law enforcement officers and provide new tools for officers to protect themselves."
- As senator, "[i]ntroduced legislation to reauthorize the Project Safe Neighborhoods Grant Program, which is a nationwide law enforcement program that uses evidence-based and data-driven approaches to reduce violent crime."
- As senator, "[i]ntroduced the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, now law, which is a targeted bill to address the specific problems that have led to recent mass shootings, including a need for additional mental health and school safety resources."
- As senator, introduced legislation "to help ensure federal and state authorities comply with existing law and accurately report relevant criminal history records to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS)."
- As senator, introduced legislation to "reauthorize critical grants for mental health courts, crisis intervention teams, and other programs."

Public Safety

- Opposes access to abortion.
- Opposes the Affordable Care Act.

Healthcare

Believes higher education, including associate's degrees, workforce certifications, and bachelor's degrees, provides pathways to economic mobility and success.

Advocates for state and local school district autonomy to design innovative educational programs tailored to individual student needs, reducing federal bureaucracy and regulations.

Has supported expanding financial aid for low-income students and increasing the number of high-quality teachers and principals.

Advocates for market-based reforms to federal student loan interest rates to reduce costs for students and families.

- Believes higher education, including associate's degrees, workforce certifications, and bachelor's degrees, provides pathways to economic mobility and success.
- Advocates for state and local school district autonomy to design innovative educational programs tailored to individual student needs, reducing federal bureaucracy and regulations.
- Has supported expanding financial aid for low-income students and increasing the number of high-quality teachers and principals.
- Advocates for market-based reforms to federal student loan interest rates to reduce costs for students and families.

Education

Said he "[p]ushed back on unnecessary EPA regulations that affect production and agriculture through the Clean Air and Water Act."

Said he "supports environmental policies that ensure economic viability while protecting public health. However, he opposes efforts by federal agencies to expand their regulatory reach beyond their legal authority."

- Said he "[p]ushed back on unnecessary EPA regulations that affect production and agriculture through the Clean Air and Water Act."
- Said he "supports environmental policies that ensure economic viability while protecting public health. However, he opposes efforts by federal agencies to expand their regulatory reach beyond their legal authority."

Energy & the Environment

As of April 3, 2026, John Cornyn’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Voting & Elections

Opposes policies that prohibit local police and government officials from enforcing federal immigration laws.

Supports reducing undocumented immigration.

Said he "has been a leader in ensuring our allies—especially Israel—have the support they need."

Supports providing members of the military "the best training, equipment, and education, and that our veterans receive the highest-quality health care, services, and benefits."

- Opposes policies that prohibit local police and government officials from enforcing federal immigration laws.
- Supports reducing undocumented immigration.
- Said he "has been a leader in ensuring our allies—especially Israel—have the support they need."
- Supports providing members of the military "the best training, equipment, and education, and that our veterans receive the highest-quality health care, services, and benefits."

Foreign Policy and Immigration

Ethics & Conduct

Instagram

Twitter

Facebook

- The US Senator is a member of the United States Senate, the upper house of the United States Congress. There are a total of 100 US Senators. Texas, like every other US state, has two senators. 
- US Senators have a great deal of power when it comes to bringing the concerns of their state to the national arena. US Senators can author, sponsor, amend, debate, and vote on bills that may become national law. 
- US Senators have an important role in deciding who runs the federal government. They hold confirmation hearings for most presidential appointees, including new Supreme Court Justices and Presidential Cabinet Members.
- Senators can be appointed to committees that focus on particular issues. Examples include the Appropriations Committee, which handles budget planning, and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, which is a diplomatic body that welcomes foreign delegations.
- Senators are elected to six-year terms in statewide elections. US Senators are paid a salary of $174,000/year.