GOP Attorney General Candidates Tout Conservative Credentials in Primary Debate

Four Republicans vie to succeed Ken Paxton as Texas' top law enforcement officer

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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All four Republican candidates for Texas Attorney General participated in a debate hosted by the Republican Attorneys General Association, each seeking to position themselves as the heir apparent to the conservative legal legacy of outgoing AG Ken Paxton. The candidates, including U.S. Rep. Chip Roy, state Sens. Mayes Middleton and Joan Huffman, and former Paxton aide Aaron Reitz, echoed calls to use the office to advance conservative priorities like restricting abortion access and immigration enforcement.

Why it matters

The Texas Attorney General's office has become an increasingly influential part of the national conservative legal strategy, making this race a closely watched contest that will shape the direction of the office for years to come. The winner will be tasked with building upon the legacy established by Paxton, as well as previous AGs Greg Abbott and John Cornyn.

The details

At the debate, the candidates sought to differentiate themselves and their visions for the office, with little ideological daylight between them. They vowed to use the AG's powers to go after the 'Islamification' of Texas, wrest immigration enforcement authority from the federal government, and stop the flow of abortion pills into the state. Frontrunner Chip Roy faced criticism from his opponents, who accused him of being 'ineffective' and 'bad' in his previous role as Paxton's deputy. Roy pushed back, touting his endorsement from Sen. Ted Cruz. The candidates also clashed over the issue of providing gender-affirming care to minors, with Roy opposing a GOP bill that would have criminalized the practice.

  • The debate took place on February 17, 2026.
  • Early voting in the Texas primary election began on February 18, 2026 and runs through February 27, 2026.
  • The primary election will be held on March 3, 2026, with a potential runoff in late May if no candidate receives over 50% of the vote.

The players

Chip Roy

U.S. Representative from Texas's 21st congressional district and the apparent frontrunner in the race. He previously served as chief of staff for Sen. Ted Cruz and as the top deputy to outgoing Attorney General Ken Paxton.

Aaron Reitz

Former aide to Ken Paxton and Department of Justice official, who is endorsed by the current Attorney General.

Mayes Middleton

Texas state senator and prominent GOP donor who has poured nearly $12 million of his own money into the race, running as the 'MAGA Mayes' candidate.

Joan Huffman

Texas state senator and longtime prosecutor and judge, running on her experience and trying to provide a more measured counterpoint to the bombast of her opponents.

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What they’re saying

“'Ted, having served as solicitor general for 10 years for this great state, he knows what is necessary in that office, and I'm proud to have his full support and endorsement.'”

— Chip Roy, U.S. Representative (myparistexas.com)

“'If it was something that could be done on day one, it begs the question, why hasn't Paxton already done it?'”

— Joan Huffman, Texas State Senator (myparistexas.com)

“'News flash to the guy who's never practiced law a day in his life, if something is unconstitutional, it is illegal.'”

— Aaron Reitz, Former Ken Paxton Aide and DOJ Official (myparistexas.com)

What’s next

The winner of the Republican primary on March 3, 2026, or the runoff in late May if necessary, will face the Democratic nominee in the November general election.

The takeaway

This race to succeed Ken Paxton as Texas Attorney General is a key contest that will shape the direction of the office for years to come, with the four Republican candidates vying to establish themselves as the heir to Paxton's conservative legal legacy.