Texas picks new attorney general

Ballots will be counted on Tuesday, Nov. 3, to determine the next leader of the Texas Office of the Attorney General.

Ken Paxton held the position from 2015 until recently, when he stepped down to campaign for the U.S. Senate. His departure ends a tenure that spanned more than a decade. The office now faces a fresh leadership contest involving three candidates. Republican Mayes Middleton, Democrat Nathan Johnson, and Libertarian Tom Oxford are all seeking the statewide role.

Mark Jones, a political science professor at Rice University, noted that the office carries weight beyond state borders. He stated that the attorney general plays a pivotal role in enforcing Texas law and interpreting the state constitution. Jones added that the position has historically influenced national legal battles. He argued that voters should pay closer attention to this specific race.

Both Middleton and Johnson are currently serving as state senators and attorneys. Their platforms diverge on how the office should function. Middleton, who represents District 11 in Galveston County and parts of Houston, previously served in the Texas House. He is also the president of Middleton Oil Company. His campaign website outlines a plan to expand the attorney general’s power to prosecute state law violations. He wants to hold local district attorneys accountable for crime. Middleton supports aggressive immigration enforcement and working with the Trump administration on border security. He also promises to sue companies for deceptive trade practices and investigate government corruption.

Johnson, representing parts of Dallas County, has served in the Senate since 2019. He works as an attorney and mediator. His campaign materials emphasize closer cooperation with local district attorneys to improve public safety. While he supports border security, he opposes immigration tactics he believes violate constitutional rights. Johnson plans to challenge federal actions he views as unlawful, including moves by the Trump administration. He aims to prioritize consumer protection against price gouging and scams. He also vows to investigate public officials for corruption regardless of their party.

The office serves as the state’s top lawyer. It represents Texas and state agencies in lawsuits and defends state laws in court. The role includes enforcing consumer protection laws and investigating specific types of fraud. It helps families collect child support and issues legal opinions on state law. While the attorney general can prosecute certain criminal offenses, local district attorneys handle most criminal cases in Texas.

A University of Houston poll released last month showed Middleton leading Johnson by approximately five points. Jones said the gap is not insurmountable for the Democrat. He noted that if Democratic turnout is high and Republican turnout is low, the race could shift. He said voters will not know the outcome until Election Day. The next attorney general will lead the office for four years. This term will involve decisions affecting residents, businesses, and government agencies. Those decisions may cover federal immigration policies, consumer protection, and criminal justice.