U.S. Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX-21), a prominent member of the House Freedom Caucus and outspoken conservative, is officially jumping into the race for Texas attorney general. The four-term congressman confirmed his candidacy in an interview with The Texan on Thursday.
“It has been my honor to represent the 21st Congressional District of Texas — the best part of the best state in the greatest country in the history of the world,” Roy said in a release. “I could do it forever and be fulfilled professionally. But representatives should not be permanent.”
Roy, whose Hill Country district stretches from Austin to San Antonio and west past Kerrville, said his decision was shaped by both his professional experience and his response to last month’s catastrophic flooding in Central Texas, which killed more than 130 people. He was frequently on the ground in the district during the disaster and said the crisis reinforced his desire to return home to Texas.
“I want to take my experience in Congress, as a federal prosecutor, and as First Assistant Attorney General to fight for Texas from Texas,” he added.
A Crowded Republican Field
Roy enters a Republican primary already featuring State Sens. Mayes Middleton (R-Galveston) and Joan Huffman (R-Houston), along with former Justice Department appointee Aaron Reitz. A Texas Southern University poll released Thursday — conducted before Roy entered the race — showed Huffman with a narrow lead at 12%, Middleton at 8%, and Reitz at 7%, with nearly three-quarters of voters still undecided.
When asked how he distinguishes himself, Roy pointed to his “proven conservative record, courtroom experience, and full understanding of the office… a record of delivering.”
Background and Political Profile
First elected to Congress in 2018, Roy quickly established himself as a firebrand on the right, frequently clashing with both Democratic and Republican leadership. He has pushed hardline stances on government spending, border security, and election integrity, and was among the first lawmakers to urge the federal government to designate Mexican drug cartels as terrorist organizations.
At the same time, he has occasionally played the role of negotiator, helping GOP leadership secure rule changes and reimbursement for Texas’ border security costs.
Roy has also had a complicated relationship with former President Donald Trump. While Trump once suggested Roy should face a primary challenger, the congressman has been a vocal supporter of many Trump policies and has highlighted his record in “delivering on President Trump’s agenda.” Whether Trump decides to endorse in the attorney general’s race could prove decisive.
Ties to the Office — and to Paxton
Before his election to Congress, Roy served as chief of staff to Sen. Ted Cruz and as First Assistant Attorney General under Ken Paxton. The two men later clashed, with Roy calling for Paxton’s resignation in 2020 after top aides accused him of abusing his office. Paxton, who is not seeking reelection, has said he plans to remain neutral in the contest to succeed him.
Roy’s Campaign Message
Roy framed his candidacy in stark terms, pledging to fight what he described as threats to Texas sovereignty and values.
“Texas is under assault — from open-border politicians, radical leftists, and faceless foreign corporations that threaten our sovereignty, safety, and our way of life. It's time to draw a line in the sand,” he said.
He promised to take a hard stance against “Soros-funded judges and DA's,” taxpayer costs for undocumented immigrants, and what he described as the encroachment of foreign laws in Texas communities.
Roy, who raised $5 million in his 2020 reelection campaign against Democrat Wendy Davis, is expected to be a formidable fundraiser and contender in the race.
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