Dallas‑area State Senator Nathan Johnson has entered the 2026 Texas attorney‑general race, challenging Republican Mayes Middleton, a wealthy oil‑and‑gas executive. Johnson, who first won a surprise victory in 2018 by flipping a longtime GOP Senate district, is now positioning himself as a back‑to‑basics candidate who will focus on the “noble” bureaucracies of the office rather than culture‑war battles.
Campaign focus
In an interview with The Texas Tribune, Johnson said he is running a “very serious, substantive campaign” because voters are “hungry for very serious, very substantive work from their elected officials.” He argues that the attorney‑general’s office has become a launchpad for partisan legal fights under former Attorney General Ken Paxton, and that Texas voters are ready for a leader who respects the rule of law and steers the agency back to its core responsibilities.
Appealing to independents and moderate Republicans
Johnson believes a sizable bloc of voters are tired of the office’s involvement in culture‑war litigation. He hopes to attract independents and moderate Republicans who are concerned about rising costs, employment security, and everyday legal issues. “After eight years of culture wars and base drum‑beating bravado, people are anxious about their lives,” he said.
Election outlook
Recent polling cited in the source shows Johnson within striking distance of Middleton, suggesting a competitive race. While the exact numbers are not provided, the data indicate that the contest could be closer than many analysts expected.
Background and legislative record
Before entering politics, Johnson worked as a corporate litigator for Thompson Coburn in Dallas and, earlier in his career, composed music for the anime series Dragon Ball Z. He has described that experience as teaching him the value of cooperation across differences.
In the Texas Senate, Johnson has a record of bipartisan cooperation. Former state Sen. Bob Deuell, a conservative Republican, endorsed Johnson, citing Huffines’ “lack of leadership and accomplishment” as a reason to cross party lines. Senate colleague Carol Alvarado praised Johnson’s willingness to hear both sides of issues.
According to the Center for Effective Lawmaking, Johnson passed fewer bills than most of his Democratic colleagues in his first session but increased his legislative output over time, sponsoring 134 bills focused on water, the power grid, and healthcare. In 2023, Middleton co‑sponsored one of Johnson’s consumer‑protection bills for commercial genetic testing, showing that bipartisan collaboration is possible.
Policy positions
Johnson’s platform includes restoring abortion access, expanding Medicaid, and strengthening consumer protections. He has also opposed some of the more partisan battles in the Senate, such as certain LGBTQ‑rights debates, while still defending his positions on redistricting and election‑integrity issues.
Connection to the Paxton impeachment
Johnson voted with Senate Democrats to impeach former Attorney General Ken Paxton after allegations that Paxton used the office to benefit a donor. Middleton was among the few GOP senators who initially considered voting to convict Paxton before ultimately supporting acquittal. Johnson described the attorney‑general’s office as “powerfully good under the right leadership, as it has been powerfully bad under Ken Paxton,” underscoring his belief that a change in leadership could restore the office’s integrity.
Looking ahead
With a potential blue wave on the horizon, Johnson sees an opportunity to flip a GOP‑held statewide office. His campaign will focus on local concerns—cost of living, job security, and reliable legal services—while presenting a clear alternative to the partisan approach that has characterized the office in recent years.
Original reporting: Texas Tribune (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
