Johnson and Jaworski Head to Texas AG Democratic Runoff

Early voting for the Democratic primary runoff for Texas attorney general starts Monday and runs through Friday. State Sen. Nathan Johnson of Dallas faces former Galveston Mayor Joe Jaworski for the nomination. The winner takes on the Republican nominee in the November 3 general election for the open seat.

Johnson Brings Legislative Wins to the Race

Nathan Johnson has served in the Texas Senate since 2019 and represents a Dallas district. He worked as a litigator and mediator before entering politics. Johnson passed 135 bills across four legislative sessions, according to his Ballotpedia profile. That record gives him direct experience moving priorities through the Capitol, where the attorney general often coordinates with lawmakers on enforcement and policy.

Jaworski Offers Executive and Legal Depth

Joe Jaworski served as mayor of Galveston and has practiced law for more than 30 years. He ran in the 2022 Democratic primary for attorney general, which gives him name recognition from the last cycle. His background combines city leadership with courtroom work, a combination that could appeal to voters looking for someone who has managed both government operations and legal cases, as noted in Texas Tribune reporting.

Primary Results Set Up the Matchup

No candidate cleared 50 percent in the March 3 Democratic primary. Johnson finished with roughly 48 percent of the vote and advanced with Jaworski. The two now compete in the May 26 runoff. Early voting runs May 18 through May 22, according to the Texas Secretary of State.

General Election Field Takes Shape

Incumbent Republican Ken Paxton is not seeking re-election and is instead running for U.S. Senate. The Republican nominee will come from a runoff between U.S. Rep. Chip Roy and state Sen. Mayes Middleton. The Democratic winner faces that nominee on November 3, according to CBS News Texas. The attorney general race remains one of the few statewide contests without an incumbent on the ballot this cycle.

Voters who want to participate must cast ballots by May 22 during early voting or show up on May 26. The outcome sets the Democratic standard-bearer for the fall contest against the eventual Republican nominee.