Firebrand conservatives set to duke it out in GOP Texas AG debate

Four Republicans vying for the role of Texas' top attorney in a heated primary election

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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Several firebrand conservatives are set to participate in a heated debate ahead of the GOP primary election for Texas attorney general. The debate, hosted by the Republican Attorneys General Association (RAGA) and moderated by conservative podcaster Allie Beth Stuckey, will feature four Republican candidates - Congressman Chip Roy, Aaron Reitz, state Sen. Mayes Middleton, and state Sen. Joan Huffman - vying for the role of Texas' top attorney.

Why it matters

The Texas attorney general plays a critical role both locally and nationally, from protecting Texans to promoting the rule of law and preserving freedom. This debate will give voters a chance to hear the candidates' positions on key issues facing the state and the country.

The details

The debate will be held at the Granada Theater in Dallas on Tuesday at 7 p.m. Central Time and will be streamed by Fox News Digital. The candidates have positioned themselves in different ways, with Roy running on a limited government platform, Reitz and Middleton aligning themselves as Trump loyalists, and Huffman emphasizing respect for the rule of law.

  • The debate will be held on Tuesday, February 18, 2026 at 7 p.m. Central Time.
  • Early voting for the GOP primary election has already started in Texas.

The players

Chip Roy

A fourth-term congressman and member of the House Freedom Caucus, running on a limited government platform.

Aaron Reitz

A former Trump Department of Justice official and assistant attorney general under Ken Paxton, running as a Trump loyalist.

Mayes Middleton

A state senator and oil executive, running on an 'America First' platform and positioning himself as a Trump loyalist.

Joan Huffman

A state senator, emphasizing respect for the rule of law in her campaign.

Allie Beth Stuckey

A conservative podcaster and Texas native, who will moderate the debate.

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What they’re saying

“Every single question is not only relevant to Texas voters but also to Americans as a whole.”

— Allie Beth Stuckey, Debate Moderator (X Post)

“The Texas attorney general plays a critical role locally and nationally from protecting Texans to promoting the rule of law and preserving freedom for future generations.”

— Adam Piper, RAGA Executive Director (Statement)

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 debate will be a crucial opportunity for Texas voters to hear the candidates' positions on key issues facing the state and the country, as the Texas attorney general plays a critical role both locally and nationally.