Three candidates vie for Texas attorney general seat in 2026

Who's involved

• Ken PaxtonIncumbent Attorney General leaving office to run for U.S. Senate
• Mayes MiddletonRepublican state senator and candidate for Texas attorney general
• Nathan JohnsonDemocratic state senator and candidate for Texas attorney general
• Tom OxfordLibertarian candidate for Texas attorney general
• Donald TrumpPresident who praised Paxton and influences candidates' positions

The facts

• Texas attorney general office has more than 4,000 employees and 750 lawyers.^{1 2} Stated by 2 sources
• Republicans have long held Texas attorney general seat, Democrats seek to reclaim it for first time in almost three decades.^{1 2} Stated by 2 sources
• Middleton has two terms as Texas representative and one as Texas senator.³
• Middleton was former chairman of Texas House Freedom Caucus.³
• Johnson has authored over 400 bills with 134 passing in Texas Senate.³

Who said what

These are statements and claims made by the people involved. They are reported, not verified.

• Donald Trump Paxton is the greatest attorney general in America.^{1 2}
• Mayes Middleton He is a steadfast ally of Trump and champion of America First movement.^{1 2}
• Mayes Middleton He led charge against radical woke policies like DEI, ESG, Critical Race Theory, and allowing men in women's sports.^{1 2}
• Nathan Johnson Paxton used attorney general office to promote radical MAGA agenda.^{1 2}
• Nathan Johnson Will use agency to take on Trump policies harming economy and communities.^{1 2}