Texas AG Race Divides GOP Over Trump Loyalty

Republican candidates battle over conservative credentials and ties to former president

Feb. 7, 2026 at 5:47pm

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The race to replace Ken Paxton as Texas Attorney General has become a defining moment for the state's Republican Party, with candidates emphasizing their loyalty to former President Donald Trump as a key issue. Congressman Chip Roy, former Paxton aide Aaron Reitz, and State Senator Mayes Middleton are among the leading GOP contenders, each vying to position themselves as the most conservative and Trump-aligned choice. Meanwhile, Democrats Nathan Johnson and Joe Jaworski are presenting themselves as alternatives focused on restoring integrity to the office.

Why it matters

The Texas Attorney General race has evolved into a broader debate about the role and function of the state's top legal office, with Republicans battling over who can best embody Trump's confrontational approach and Democrats offering themselves as a path away from years of political turmoil.

The details

The Republican primary has drawn sharp contrasts between the candidates, with Reitz and Middleton directly attacking Congressman Chip Roy for allegedly wavering in his support for Trump after the January 6th, 2021 Capitol riot. Roy has countered by emphasizing his strong conservative record and commitment to upholding the law, rather than demonstrating unwavering personal loyalty. Middleton is campaigning as 'MAGA Mayes,' investing heavily in TV ads and highlighting his legislative record on conservative issues like transgender bathroom access and displaying the Ten Commandments in schools. Reitz, a former Paxton aide, is leveraging his brief tenure in the Trump administration to position himself as a 'crusader against the left'.

  • Early voting for the Republican primary begins on February 17, 2026.
  • The primary election is scheduled for March 5, 2026.

The players

Chip Roy

A four-term Congressman representing parts of San Antonio and Austin, Roy is positioning himself as a principled conservative with experience as former chief of staff to Senator Ted Cruz and first assistant attorney general under Paxton.

Mayes Middleton

State Senator and president of Middleton Oil Co., Middleton is aggressively campaigning as 'MAGA Mayes' and emphasizing his legislative record on conservative issues.

Aaron Reitz

A former Paxton aide and Marine Corps veteran, Reitz is highlighting his executive experience and brief tenure in the Trump administration at the Department of Justice.

Nathan Johnson

State Senator from Dallas, Johnson is presenting himself as a Democratic alternative focused on restoring trust and integrity to the Attorney General's office.

Joe Jaworski

Former Mayor of Galveston, Jaworski is also running as a Democratic candidate focused on restoring the responsibilities of the Attorney General's office.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.