Texas voters are deciding Tuesday who will succeed outgoing Attorney General Ken Paxton, with a high-stakes Republican runoff between retiring U.S. Rep. Chip Roy and state Sen. Mayes Middleton. On the Democratic side, former Galveston Mayor Joe Jaworski and state Sen. Nathan Johnson are vying for their party's nomination to advance to November's general election.
Polls across the Lone Star State closed at 8 p.m. EDT, and early returns are being tabulated. The race has drawn national attention as a bellwether for the GOP's internal dynamics, with Roy positioning himself as a conservative stalwart and Middleton emphasizing his legislative record in Austin.
GOP Battle to Succeed Paxton
Roy, who has represented Texas's 21st Congressional District since 2019, is seeking to return to state office after serving in Congress. His campaign has highlighted his work on border security and fiscal conservatism, while Middleton has stressed his experience in the state Senate and ties to grassroots activists.
The contest is the latest test of the influence of former President Donald Trump, who has not formally endorsed in this race but whose backing has been a factor in other Texas runoffs this cycle. As early voting surged ahead of Tuesday, analysts noted turnout lagged behind March's primary, suggesting a smaller, more engaged electorate may decide the outcome.
Democratic Contest for Attorney General
On the Democratic side, Jaworski, a former mayor and attorney, faces Johnson, a state senator from Dallas. Both have emphasized criminal justice reform and consumer protection, seeking to rally the party base for what is expected to be an uphill general election fight in a state that has not elected a Democrat to statewide office in decades.
The race comes amid broader live coverage of Texas runoffs, with several other contests drawing attention. The attorney general primary is one of the most closely watched, given the office's role in shaping state legal battles over abortion, immigration, and election integrity.
What's at Stake
The winner of the GOP runoff will be heavily favored in November, given Texas's Republican tilt. However, demographic shifts and suburban voter discontent have made statewide races more competitive in recent cycles, giving Democrats cautious optimism.
Both Roy and Middleton have pledged to continue Paxton's aggressive legal challenges to the Biden administration, particularly on border policy. The race has also intersected with broader GOP infighting, as Sen. John Cornyn's alliance with Trump has been tested in parallel runoffs across the state.
As results trickle in, political operatives are watching for clues about voter enthusiasm and coalition strength ahead of the 2026 midterms. The attorney general runoff serves as an early indicator of whether the GOP can maintain its grip on statewide offices or if Democrats can make inroads.
