In a significant development for Texas politics, Galveston state Senator Mayes Middleton has emerged as the Republican nominee for Texas attorney general. Middleton defeated U.S. Representative Chip Roy, marking a pivotal moment in the race for this influential position.
Middleton’s Campaign and Conservative Credentials
Middleton, known for his strong conservative stance, invested nearly $17 million of his own funds into the campaign. His commitment to conservative values, including his support for President Donald Trump, played a crucial role in his victory. Despite Trump not officially endorsing in the race, Middleton highlighted the former president’s past positive remarks about him, promising to align closely with Trump’s administration on conservative goals.
Throughout his campaign, Middleton emphasized his legislative achievements, such as advocating for laws that limit bathroom access for transgender individuals, restrict transgender participation in sports, and promote the display of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms. These positions resonated with many Texas Republicans, contributing to his success in the primary.
Roy’s Campaign and Challenges
Chip Roy, a fourth-term congressman from Austin and former federal prosecutor, faced challenges due to his previous criticisms of Trump. Roy had described Trump’s actions on January 6, 2021, as “clearly impeachable conduct” and had supported Florida Governor Ron DeSantis in the 2024 presidential race. Despite these hurdles, Roy maintained a strong conservative platform, pledging to target left-leaning district attorneys, election fraud, and certain organizations.
Roy’s campaign was bolstered by significant financial support from GOP donors, making this contest the most expensive attorney general’s race in U.S. history. However, his tensions with Trump and the GOP leadership ultimately proved to be a disadvantage in the primary.
Looking Ahead to November
Middleton will now face Dallas state Senator Nathan Johnson in the November general election. Johnson, who defeated former Galveston mayor Joe Jaworski for the Democratic nomination, aims to restore the attorney general’s office’s non-partisan functions, such as child support enforcement and consumer protection. He also plans to collaborate with blue state attorneys general in litigation against the Trump administration.
This election underscores the ongoing influence of Trump within the Texas GOP, as well as the state’s pivotal role in shaping national conservative policies through its attorney general’s office.
Original reporting: Texas Tribune (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
