State Senator Mayes Middleton has emerged victorious in Tuesday’s Republican primary runoff for Texas attorney general, securing the GOP nomination with a decisive win over Representative Chip Roy. The outcome underscores the enduring strength of the party’s populist conservative base even without an endorsement from President Donald Trump.
Results confirmed shortly after polls closed showed Middleton capturing 55.8% of the vote to Roy’s 44.2%, with approximately 65% of ballots counted.
Middleton, a wealthy businessman and outspoken conservative state senator, ran a campaign focused on border security, election integrity, and opposition to federal overreach from Washington. Roy, a prominent member of the House Freedom Caucus, entered the race with strong support among conservatives and backing from traditional Republican activists, positioning himself as a constitutional conservative committed to challenging Democratic policies in Congress.
The victory highlights the ongoing competition within Republican politics between establishment-aligned conservatives and more grassroots populist factions, particularly in races where Trump does not directly intervene. Analysts interpret Middleton’s win as an indicator that Texas Republicans continue favoring combative, anti-establishment candidates ahead of the November general election.
Middleton now advances to face Democratic State Senator Nathan Johnson in the general election for the attorney general’s office, following Attorney General Ken Paxton’s years-long tenure marked by legal battles with the Biden administration and numerous political controversies.
