The Texas attorney general serves as the state's lawyer and can interpret the Texas Constitution and investigate government officials. Ken Paxton is stepping down after more than a decade in the office to run for U.S. Senate. Republican Mayes Middleton and Democrat Nathan Johnson have campaigned for the seat since early 2025.
Johnson, a Dallas attorney, has been a state senator since 2019. In an interview with Houston Public Media, he said he would focus on upholding the rule of law, strengthening consumer protection and keeping markets competitive. He said he wants to rebuild the office and repair relationships with criminal prosecutors around the state. Johnson also accused Middleton of being an election denier who voted to acquit Paxton of corruption in the office.
Middleton has been a state senator since 2023, representing parts of Brazoria, Galveston and Harris counties. He is also president of Middleton Oil Company. He calls himself a steadfast ally of President Trump. According to his campaign materials, his priorities include border security, law enforcement, a ban on taxpayer-funded lobbying and parental choice in education. He said he would enforce the state's ban on sanctuary cities. Middleton did not respond to a request for an interview.
Mark Jones, a political science fellow at Rice University's Baker Institute, said an upset by Johnson would be significant for the state's political landscape. Texas Democrats hope to build on momentum for the party nationwide.