With early voting just weeks away in the Republican primary runoff for Texas attorney general, the race between Mayes Middleton and Chip Roy is intensifying, as both candidates make their case to voters and sharpen contrasts over their records and priorities.
At a candidate forum in Dallas on Thursday evening, the two Republicans highlighted their experience and conservative credentials while drawing distinctions on law enforcement, immigration, and the role of government. The event marked one of the latest opportunities for both campaigns to reach primary voters ahead of the May 26 runoff.
Roy, who represents Texas’ 21st Congressional District, emphasized his background as an attorney and his experience handling complex legal matters. He underscored the importance of having a state attorney general with substantial courtroom experience, particularly in prosecutorial work and high-level legal environments. Roy has consistently framed his campaign around his legal background and his time in Congress, arguing that both have prepared him to lead the state’s top legal office.
Middleton, a state senator from Galveston and also an attorney, countered by focusing on his executive and business experience. He pointed to his background in starting and running companies as a key differentiator, arguing that managing large organizations is critical to overseeing the Texas Office of the Attorney General, which employs thousands of staff and hundreds of attorneys when fully staffed. Middleton has positioned himself as the only candidate in the race with that level of private-sector leadership experience.
Policy differences and campaign attacks have also played a role in the runoff. Roy reiterated his belief that the attorney general’s office should have expanded authority to prosecute criminal activity, while Middleton highlighted his legislative record supporting measures aimed at increasing the office’s role in prosecuting election fraud and human trafficking. He also emphasized efforts to strengthen enforcement against so-called sanctuary jurisdictions that do not cooperate with federal immigration authorities.
Although the candidates avoided direct confrontation over some past accusations, their campaigns have traded criticism in recent weeks. Middleton has pointed to endorsements from law enforcement groups, while some of his supporters have accused Roy of blocking legislation related to protections for police officers. Roy, for his part, has defended his congressional record and his approach to limited government, emphasizing the importance of federalism and constitutional checks and balances.
The forum also underscored both candidates’ alignment with President Donald Trump, though each framed that relationship differently. Roy highlighted his support for Trump-era policies while also noting instances where he has disagreed with the president on issues such as surveillance laws. Middleton leaned into his support more directly, emphasizing his commitment to advancing Trump-aligned priorities and noting backing from former primary opponent Aaron Reitz.
Both candidates also addressed controversial topics, including efforts to restrict foreign influence and debates over religious and political ideologies. Each called for stronger measures targeting groups they view as threats, though their proposals and rhetoric have drawn scrutiny as the campaign enters its final stretch.
The runoff follows a March primary in which Middleton led with 39 percent of the vote, while Roy secured 32 percent. Other candidates, including Joan Huffman and Reitz, were eliminated after finishing behind the two frontrunners. Reitz has since endorsed Middleton, while Huffman has not taken a position in the runoff.
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