State Sen. Mayes Middleton defeated U.S. Rep. Chip Roy in the Republican runoff for Texas attorney general on Tuesday, securing the GOP nomination to succeed Ken Paxton. The Associated Press called the race with Middleton leading 55.7% to Roy’s 44.3%. Paxton, the retiring three-term incumbent, opted to challenge Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) in the GOP primary rather than seek re-election.
Middleton, a conservative state legislator and oil and gas executive, spent over $17 million of his own money on the campaign. He emphasized his loyalty to former President Donald Trump, contrasting Roy’s past criticism of Trump over the Jan. 6 Capitol riot and support for Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ 2024 presidential bid. Roy, a high-profile conservative House member, had previously called for Paxton’s resignation during a 2020 scandal.
Both candidates vowed to continue Paxton’s conservative legal agenda, including challenges to federal policies and support for restrictive transgender legislation. Roy criticized Middleton’s lack of courtroom experience, while Middleton framed himself as a stronger Trump ally. The race highlighted tensions within the Texas GOP over Trump’s influence and conservative priorities.