State Sen. Mayes Middleton won the Republican runoff for Texas attorney general on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, defeating U.S. Rep. Chip Roy and securing the GOP nomination to succeed Ken Paxton.
Middleton, a conservative state senator from Galveston and oil and gas executive, took approximately 55% of the vote to Roy’s 45% as results came in statewide. The contest, which followed the March 3 primary where neither candidate reached 50%, centered on who would be the stronger conservative and more loyal to President Donald Trump. Middleton poured nearly $17 million of his own money into the campaign, emphasizing border security, election integrity, and America First policies.
The race opened after Paxton opted to run for U.S. Senate instead of seeking a fourth term as attorney general. Both Middleton and Roy positioned themselves as hard-line conservatives, but Middleton successfully painted Roy as insufficiently aligned with Trump on key issues.
Congratulations to Mayes Middleton on tonight’s Primary Runoff victory in the race for Texas Attorney General.
— Texas GOP (@TexasGOP) May 27, 2026
Thank you to every Texan who took the time to participate in the process and make their voice heard.
Now the focus turns to November.
Republicans across Texas must… pic.twitter.com/7mv87M5ERh
In November, Middleton will face Democrat Nathan Johnson, a state senator from Dallas who won his party’s runoff on the same night. Texas has not elected a Democratic statewide officeholder since 1994, making Middleton the strong favorite in the general election.
The outcome reflects continued influence of the party’s most conservative wing in Texas primaries. Final certified results will be released by the Texas Secretary of State’s office in the coming weeks.
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