In the Texas runoff for Attorney General, the Republican candidate who dubbed himself "MAGA" Mayes Middleton has won over Republican Rep. Chip Roy (TX-21) by roughly 12 points.
Decision Desk HQ projects Mayes Middleton wins the TX Attorney General Republican Runoff#DecisionMade: 9:01 PM EDT pic.twitter.com/n23dO38WtD
— Decision Desk HQ (@DecisionDeskHQ) May 27, 2026
Texas Republicans have selected Texas Rep. Mayes Middleton as their candidate in the race for the state's next attorney general, following a contentious duel with Chip Roy, CBS News projects.
Roy and Middleton criticized each other in the lead-up to Tuesday's runoff vote, which was triggered after neither Roy nor Middleton earned more than 50% of the vote during the March 3, 2026 primary. In that election, Middleton did win 39% of the vote, while Roy got 32%.
Middleton served in the Texas State Senate and prior to that, served in the Texas House of Representatives. Middleton holds the reputation of being one of the most conservative legislators in the state. Middleton is an attorney who owns an independent oil and gas company, as well as ranching, cattle, and farming businesses.
Middleton self-funded his own campaign, putting almost $17 million into his run.
The race, like others in recent weeks, proved the GOP’s continued loyalty to President Donald Trump, as “MAGA Mayes” pummeled Roy for saying Trump engaged in “clearly impeachable conduct” on Jan. 6, 2021, and supporting Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ failed 2024 presidential bid.
This is the first open race for attorney general in more than a decade, after Attorney General Ken Paxton decided to challenge U.S. Sen. John Cornyn. Under Paxton, the agency has become the linchpin of a national effort to push conservative causes through the courts, an effort Middleton and Roy both vowed to continue.
Middleton came from behind to beat Roy’s name ID lead during the primary, thanks in large part to the millions he put into television ads and mailers, promoting his loyalty to the president. While Trump didn’t endorse in the race, Middleton touted the president’s previous positive comments about him, promising to work hand-in-hand with the Trump administration on conservative goals.
Roy chose not to run for a fourth term in the U.S. House of Representatives in order to run for Texas attorney general. Before his congressional win in 2018, Roy worked as a federal prosecutor, and was one of Republican U.S. Senate-nominee Ken Paxton's top aides. Despite Roy's criticism of Middleton for his inexperience and lack of preparedness for the job, the anti-incumbent fervor helped to sweep Middleton from behind the pack into the lead.
While Roy outspent Middleton on ads during the runoff, Middleton outspent Roy during the entire election cycle.
Read More: The Texas Senate Runoff Just Delivered a Brutal Verdict for the GOP Establishment
Morning Minute: It's Go Day in Texas
Neither Republican candidate for attorney general received President Donald Trump's endorsement, who chose to stay on the sidelines for this race. Middleton was endorsed by TX Lt. Governor Dan Patrick.
Why I’m voting for @mayes_middleton:
— Dan Patrick (@DanPatrick) May 26, 2026
1. Mayes Middleton is one of the most conservative members in Texas Senate history—a proven, unapologetic MAGA conservative who fights and wins.
2. Mayes Middleton will work hand-in-hand with the Governor, the Legislature, the Department of… pic.twitter.com/rG0MGHg2bG
Why I’m voting for @mayes_middleton:
1. Mayes Middleton is one of the most conservative members in Texas Senate history—a proven, unapologetic MAGA conservative who fights and wins.
2. Mayes Middleton will work hand-in-hand with the Governor, the Legislature, the Department of Justice, and President Trump to make the Texas Attorney General’s office the strongest in the nation—relentlessly defending our laws and our Constitution.
𝗧𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗶𝘀 𝗘𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗗𝗮𝘆…𝐠𝐨 𝐯𝐨𝐭𝐞!
Roy took to X to acknowledge he had conceded the race, stating he would have a full statement on Wednesday.
Just a little while ago, I called and congratulated @mayes_middleton for his victory in our race for the Republican nominee for Attorney General. I will have a full statement tomorrow. Onward.
— Chip Roy (@chiproytx) May 27, 2026
Middleton will square off with his state senate colleague Democrat Nathan Johnson in November.
Editor’s Note: The 2026 Midterms will determine the fate of President Trump’s America First agenda. Republicans must maintain control of both chambers of Congress.
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