The race for Texas Attorney General in 2026 is shaping up as one of the most consequential and closely watched elections in the state, with the outcome likely to reshape the legal and policy landscape for years to come. For the first time in more than a decade, the office—long held by Republican Ken Paxton—will have a new occupant, as Paxton has opted to run for the U.S. Senate instead of seeking a fourth term. The primary election, held March 3, did not produce a clear winner, sending the race to a May 26 runoff between State Sen. Mayes Middleton and U.S. Rep. Chip Roy, both of whom have staked out hardline conservative positions and deep ties to the state’s political establishment.
The stakes are high. The Texas Attorney General is the state’s chief lawyer, defending its laws and constitution in court, representing the state in litigation, and issuing legal opinions that guide state agencies and officials. The office also enforces child support orders, investigates consumer fraud, and decides whether public information must be released under state law. With more than 700 attorneys on staff, the attorney general’s decisions ripple across Texas, influencing everything from environmental regulations to healthcare policy and voting rights.
Paxton’s departure leaves a significant void. During his tenure, he became a national figure, filing high-profile lawsuits against the Biden administration over issues ranging from LGBTQ rights to abortion and environmental protections. His tenure was also marked by controversy, including his impeachment by the Texas House on corruption charges—though he was later acquitted by the state Senate. The 2026 race has become a referendum on Paxton’s legacy, with Republicans vying to carry forward his aggressive legal agenda, while Democrats seek to restore what they describe as integrity and impartiality to the office.
In the March 3 primary, Middleton and Roy emerged as the top vote-getters, each drawing strong support from different factions of the Republican base. Middleton, a state senator, self-funded over $10 million of his campaign, a move that underscored his financial independence and deep pockets. Roy, a U.S. Representative and former chief of staff to Sen. Ted Cruz, brought national prominence and a network of high-profile endorsements, including from Cruz himself. Both candidates have framed their campaigns around continuing Paxton’s legal battles, with a particular emphasis on aligning with former President Donald Trump’s priorities. Trump, while not endorsing either candidate, praised all contenders in early February, signaling his influence over the race.
The Runoff and Beyond
The May 26 runoff between Middleton and Roy will be the first test of which vision for the attorney general’s office resonates most with Texas voters. Polling leading up to the primary showed a tight race, with Middleton gaining ground in recent weeks, though Roy had earlier led in some surveys. The runoff will likely focus on issues like abortion access, voting rights, and the enforcement of state laws against what critics call “woke” policies in education and healthcare.
On the Democratic side, the primary also produced a competitive field, with former federal prosecutor Tony Box, state Sen. Nathan Johnson, and former Galveston Mayor Joe Jaworski emerging as early leaders. Johnson, in particular, was leading in early returns from the March 3 primary, setting the stage for a potential historic shift if Democrats were to win the general election in November. The general election, scheduled for November 3, 2026, will determine whether Texas’s top legal office remains in Republican hands or flips to the Democratic Party for the first time since 1999.
Who’s Running and What They Stand For
The Republican runoff features two candidates with distinct backgrounds but overlapping agendas:
- Mayes Middleton is a state senator from Fort Worth, known for his conservative stances on social issues and his self-funded campaign. He has emphasized his readiness to take on federal overreach and to defend Texas’s interests in court.
- Chip Roy is a U.S. Representative from Texas’s 21st Congressional District and a former chief of staff to Sen. Ted Cruz. Roy has positioned himself as a national leader in conservative legal strategy, with endorsements from prominent Republicans and a focus on continuing Paxton’s litigation against the federal government.
Meanwhile, the Democratic field includes:
- Nathan Johnson, a state senator from Dallas, who has framed his campaign around restoring professionalism and fairness to the attorney general’s office.
- Tony Box, a former federal prosecutor and FBI agent, who has emphasized his legal experience and commitment to protecting Texans.
- Joe Jaworski, a lawyer and former Galveston mayor, who has focused on consumer protection and local governance.
The Path Forward
The next major checkpoint in the race is the May 26 runoff, where Middleton and Roy will compete for the Republican nomination. The winner will then face the Democratic nominee in the general election on November 3, 2026. The outcome will not only determine the next attorney general but also signal the direction of Texas’s legal and policy agenda for the next four years.
As the race heats up, voters are advised to follow official updates from the Texas Ethics Commission for campaign finance reports, and the Texas Secretary of State’s office for election results and voter information. For those interested in the broader context of the attorney general’s role, the Texas Constitution and the office’s official website provide detailed guidance on the powers and responsibilities of the position.
With the runoff just months away, the race remains fluid, and the implications for Texas’s future are profound. The next attorney general will not only shape the state’s legal battles but also influence the lives of millions of Texans for years to come.
What do you think will be the most essential issue in this race? Share your thoughts in the comments below or share this article with others who are following the election closely.
