Mayes Middleton Holds 158K-Vote Lead Over Chip Roy in AG

State Sen. Mayes Middleton leads U.S. Rep. Chip Roy by 157,787 votes heading into the May 26 Republican primary runoff for Texas attorney general. Middleton took 39.1 percent, or 811,171 votes, in the March 3 primary to Roy's 32 percent and 653,384 votes, forcing the top two into a showdown to replace Ken Paxton. With early voting starting May 18, the margin gives Middleton momentum in a race that will pick the GOP nominee for November's general election.

Middleton Builds Endorsement Firewall

Aaron Reitz, who pulled 14 percent in the primary, threw his support to Middleton after his elimination. Reitz, a former Paxton deputy, called Middleton the fighter needed to carry on the incumbent's aggressive legal battles. U.S. Rep. Randy Weber joined the chorus, endorsing Middleton as the stronger conservative pick. Ballotpedia tracks these endorsements as key boosts for Middleton's campaign.

Those third-place finishes by Huffman and Reitz split the field, but Reitz's backing consolidates conservative votes behind Middleton. Roy lacks similar high-profile primary rival support, leaving him to rely on his national profile from Congress.

April Forum Exposes Records Clash

Middleton and Roy clashed at an April 24 GOP forum over their legislative records. Middleton touted his Senate work on border security and election integrity bills, positioning himself as the proven state-level warrior. Roy countered with his House votes against federal overreach, but Middleton pressed him on missed opportunities in D.C. The Texan reported the sparring, which highlighted Middleton's edge in state government experience.

Both candidates used Texas Tribune Q&As to sharpen attacks. Middleton emphasizes his role in passing school choice legislation and challenging federal mandates. Roy leans on his Freedom Caucus fights, but critics note his congressional tenure yielded fewer Texas-specific wins. The exchange underscores voter choice: insider continuity or congressional firebrand.

Democrats Face Their Own Tight Runoff

On the Democratic side, State Sen. Nathan Johnson battles former Galveston Mayor Joe Jaworski in the May 26 runoff. No first-round percentages emerged from the March primary, but both advanced without a majority. Ballotpedia lists the matchup as Democrats' bid for a long-shot general election win in deep-red Texas.

Johnson brings Senate experience on consumer protection and healthcare access. Jaworski, a trial lawyer, pitches his municipal leadership and legal chops. The Democratic nominee faces steep odds in November, but the runoff winner inherits Paxton's high-profile office amid ongoing lawsuits against the Biden administration.

Paxton's Exit Reshapes the Field

Ken Paxton skipped re-election to chase a U.S. Senate seat, opening the attorney general's office after years of impeachment fights and multistate lawsuits. His departure drew a crowded GOP field, with Middleton and Roy emerging as Paxton-style aggressors on immigration and gun rights. Paxton's Senate run leaves the AG post as the prize for hardline conservatives.

Middleton's primary lead and endorsements position him to claim Paxton's mantle. Roy's base in Austin's 21st District gives him fundraising muscle, but turnout among primary voters who backed Huffman and Reitz will decide the race.

Voters Decide in One Week

Mail ballots must be requested by May 15, with early voting May 18-22. Texas Secretary of State sets the deadlines. Polls close May 26, sending winners to the November 3 general election.