Texans will select a new attorney general on Nov. 3, marking the first change at the helm of the office in nearly 12 years. With Ken Paxton pursuing a U.S. Senate seat, the race now centers on two state senators: Republican Mayes Middleton of Galveston and Democrat Nathan Johnson of Dallas, alongside Libertarian Tom Oxford.
Candidate backgrounds
Middleton, a two‑term former state representative who moved to the Senate in 2022, secured the GOP nomination by defeating U.S. Rep. Chip Roy in a May runoff. He brands himself as “MAGA Mayes,” promising to continue the policies set by Paxton.
Johnson, a state senator since 2019, earned the Democratic nomination after beating Joe Jaworski in the same runoff. He has positioned himself as a reform‑oriented candidate focused on consumer protection and anti‑corruption work.
Middleton’s platform
Middleton says he will keep the attorney general’s office on the course Paxton set. He pledges tough enforcement of border security and federal deportation priorities, a vigorous defense of Texas’s unborn child restrictions, and opposition to diversity, equity and inclusion programs. He also supports allowing the office to bring its own criminal cases under state law when local prosecutors decline, while remaining open to the idea of a statewide prosecutor.
Johnson’s vision
Johnson argues the office has been turned into a vehicle for culture‑war lawsuits. He says his top priorities would be consumer protection, antitrust enforcement, and investigations into corruption, regardless of party affiliation. He would continue to sue Washington over border actions he deems unconstitutional, and he wants the attorney general to cooperate closely with local district attorneys.
What the race means for Texans
The attorney general’s office represents the state in court, defends its laws, and signs off on public bond issues. The winner will serve a four‑year term with no limit on re‑election, giving the office long‑term influence over Texas legal strategy.
Both candidates have highlighted the importance of the role in safeguarding Texas’s values and legal autonomy. Middleton emphasizes a continuation of the hard‑line stance on immigration, abortion, and cultural issues, while Johnson focuses on a broader consumer‑rights agenda and a check on partisan litigation.
Election logistics
Voters across Texas will see the three candidates listed on the ballot. The race is expected to draw significant attention from both state and national observers, given the attorney general’s pivotal role in high‑profile lawsuits and policy enforcement.
As the campaign progresses, each candidate will continue to outline how they plan to use the office to protect Texas families, uphold constitutional rights, and promote a thriving, law‑abiding community.
Original reporting: DenisonWeekly.news — read the source article.
