UMVA has learned that Texas’ next attorney general will be a fierce Trump supporter, having edged out former Congressman Chip Roy in a bruising Republican primary showdown.
The battle, centered on whether the candidate could truly champion President Trump’s America First and MAGA agenda, saw both men pour millions into a high‑stakes campaign. Middleton, the oil and gas executive, spent roughly $17 million of his own pocket, while Roy, a former Texas assistant attorney general, rallied late‑stage donations from powerful backers.
Roy’s campaign argued that Middleton’s lack of courtroom experience disqualified him from the office. He highlighted his own prosecutorial record, claiming readiness “on day one.” Middleton countered that Roy’s decade of political maneuvering outweighed any legal pedigree.
The exchange turned personal, with Middleton accusing Roy of “betraying MAGA” whenever the congressman challenged Trump’s policies. Roy fought back, insisting he is a true ally yet an independent thinker willing to take a stand when necessary.
Both candidates claimed to embody the MAGA spirit, but Middleton suggested Roy could buy the brand, while Roy warned that true allegiance cannot be purchased. The clash underscored the deep divisions within the party over loyalty versus principle.
With the Republican nomination secured, Middleton faces Democrat Nathan Johnson, who narrowly fell short of the party’s primary victory. Johnson’s campaign was a close contest against former Galveston Mayor Joe Jaworski.
Ken Paxton’s decision not to seek re‑election has opened the field, and the runoff outcome signals a decisive shift toward a hard‑line Trump loyalist in Texas’ top legal office.
