Texas state Sen. Mayes Middleton won the Republican runoff for Texas attorney general, defeating Rep. Chip Roy in a bitter MAGA-focused primary battle to replace Ken Paxton.
The Associated Press called the race Tuesday night, and Roy conceded shortly afterward, saying he had called Middleton to congratulate him.
Middleton, an oil and gas executive and state senator, ran as a strong supporter of President Donald Trump’s agenda, while questioning whether Roy was truly aligned with the MAGA movement.
The race became an expensive and personal fight over conservative credentials, legal experience and loyalty to Trump.
TRENDING TODAY
Middleton spent roughly $17 million of his own money on the race, giving him a major financial advantage.
Roy, a former Texas assistant attorney general and former chief of staff to Sen. Ted Cruz, argued that his legal background made him the better candidate to serve as attorney general.
He criticized Middleton for lacking courtroom experience and said the state’s top legal office requires someone ready to handle major legal fights from day one.
Middleton fired back by highlighting moments when Roy had broken with Trump, including past criticism of the president.
He argued that while Roy claimed to support the America First agenda, his record showed repeated conflicts with Trump.
Roy rejected that attack, saying he has long supported the president’s agenda but remains an independent conservative willing to speak his mind.
At one point, Roy accused Middleton of trying to buy the MAGA label, saying, “MAGA is not something you just buy.”
Trump stayed neutral in the runoff, making the race a test of competing claims to the MAGA brand rather than a direct Trump endorsement battle.
Middleton is now expected to face Democratic state Sen. Nathan Johnson, who was competing for his party’s nomination against former Galveston Mayor Joe Jaworski.
The attorney general seat opened after Ken Paxton decided not to seek re-election and instead launched a Republican Senate campaign against longtime Sen. John Cornyn.
Middleton’s victory marks another sign that Texas Republican politics remain deeply shaped by Trump, even in races where the president does not formally endorse.
Why It Matters
The race shows how powerful the MAGA label remains in Republican primaries. Even without a Trump endorsement, candidates are fighting to prove who is more aligned with the president’s movement. Roy’s loss is notable because he is one of the House’s most conservative members, but his occasional breaks with Trump became a central issue.
What Comes Next
Middleton will move on to the general election for Texas attorney general. The race is expected to remain favorable for Republicans, but Democrats will likely try to frame the contest around legal experience, corruption concerns and the future of the state’s top law enforcement office.
A related post showed Mayes Middleton defeating Chip Roy in the Texas attorney general GOP runoff, according to race-call results.
🔥🚨 BREAKING — RACE CALLED: Mayes Middleton has DEFEATED Chip Roy in the Primary for Texas Attorney General.
Chip Roy did NOT file to run for another term in Congress and will be OUT OF OFFICE after this year.
Alot of RINOs are losing BIG! pic.twitter.com/hfZYTwPIk6
— The Patriot Oasis™ (@ThePatriotOasis) May 27, 2026
