Mayes Middleton leads U.S. Rep. Chip Roy 48 percent to 39 percent among Republican voters in the latest University of Houston Hobby School poll, with 13 percent undecided, heading into the May 26 Republican primary runoff for Texas attorney general. Middleton captured 39.2 percent in the March 3 primary while Roy took 31.7 percent, forcing the two into a head-to-head contest. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick endorsed Middleton on May 5, giving the state senator from Wallisville a clear institutional boost in the final stretch.
Patrick Backing Shifts Momentum Toward Middleton
Patrick's endorsement arrived less than three weeks before the runoff and immediately amplified Middleton's position. The lieutenant governor, who wields significant influence over the Texas Senate, chose Middleton over Roy despite Roy's record as a U.S. representative. Middleton has leaned into the support by branding himself "MAGA Mayes" and highlighting his alignment with former President Trump. Heavy ad spending funded in part by Middleton's own contributions has kept his name dominant on television and digital platforms across the state.
Roy Launches Direct Attacks on Experience
Roy's campaign responded to the polling deficit by airing contrast ads that question Middleton's qualifications. The spots feature Roy stating, "I'm a real lawyer. He's not," and stress the need for a practicing attorney in the attorney general's office. Roy, who served as a federal prosecutor before Congress, positions himself as the candidate with courtroom experience. The ads mark a sharper tone in the closing days and aim to erode Middleton's lead by focusing on legal credentials rather than ideology.
