Main Candidates Vie for Texas Attorney General Position After Ken Paxton's Departure
Mayes Middleton and Nathan Johnson lead the race to replace Ken Paxton as Texas attorney general, with significant fundraising and differing visions for the role.
Ken Paxton, the incumbent Texas attorney general, recently stepped down from his position to pursue a run for U.S. Senate, creating a vacancy that two prominent candidates are now vying to fill. The frontrunners in this race are Mayes Middleton and Nathan Johnson, both of whom bring distinct qualifications and ambitions to the table 12.
Nathan Johnson, a Dallas-based attorney, has been serving as a state senator since 2019, bringing a wealth of legislative experience to his candidacy. Johnson’s platform emphasizes a desire to shift the direction of the attorney general’s office, aiming to break away from the status quo that has prevailed over the last ten years under Paxton’s leadership 12. This vision includes a focus on reform and modernization within the legal framework of Texas.
In terms of financial backing, Johnson has amassed nearly $3 million for his campaign, a substantial sum that reflects his ability to attract support from various donors and potentially influence public opinion 12. However, his opponent, Mayes Middleton, has significantly outpaced him in fundraising, having collected approximately $25 million, with a notable portion—$18 million—coming directly from Middleton’s personal funds 12. This robust financial base could provide Middleton with a competitive edge in advertising and outreach efforts.
The current polling data paints a picture of a closely contested race, with Middleton leading at 47% among likely voters, followed by Johnson at 42%. Another candidate, Oxford, holds a much smaller share of the vote at just 3%, indicating that the primary contest is largely between these two main contenders 12.
What we know
- - Ken Paxton stepped down as Texas attorney general to run for U.S. senator 12
- - Mayes Middleton and Nathan Johnson are the main candidates for Texas attorney general 12
- - Nathan Johnson is a Dallas attorney and has been a state senator since 2019 12
- - Johnson aims to change how things have been done in the office for the past decade 12
- - Johnson has raised nearly $3 million for his campaign 12
- - Middleton has raised around $25 million for his campaign, including $18 million of his own money 12
- - Polling shows Middleton leading with 47% of likely voters, Johnson with 42%, and Oxford with 3% 12
Verification report
Partly unverified — probability of truth 61%, weighted across 13 claims from 2 independent outlets.
- likely Ken Paxton stepped down as Texas attorney general to run for U.S. senator. (71%)
- likely Mayes Middleton and Nathan Johnson are the main candidates for Texas attorney general. (71%)
- likely Nathan Johnson is a Dallas attorney and has been a state senator since 2019. (71%)
- likely Johnson aims to change how things have been done in the office for the past decade. (71%)
- likely Johnson has raised nearly $3 million for his campaign. (71%)
- likely Middleton has raised around $25 million for his campaign, including $18 million of his own money. (71%)
- likely Polling shows Middleton leading with 47% of likely voters, Johnson with 42%, and Oxford with 3% (71%)
- unverified Mayes Middleton is a state senator since 2023, representing parts of Brazoria, Galveston, and Harris counties. (50%)
- unverified Middleton is a staunchly conservative member of the Texas legislature and a self-described 'steadfast ally of President Trump'. (50%)
- unverified Johnson's campaign goal includes repairing relationships with criminal prosecutors around the state. (50%)
- unverified Middleton prioritizes border security, law enforcement, ban on taxpayer-funded lobbying, parental choice in education, and opposing the 'woke agenda'. (50%)
- unverified Early voting ends on Friday, with Election Day on Nov. 3. (50%)
- unverified The election for Texas attorney general is taking place in 2026. (50%)
Sources
- Texas Standard (Texas) — What to know about the candidates vying to replace Ken Paxton as Texas attorney general
https://texasstandard.org/stories/what-to-know-about-the-candidates-vying-to-replace-ken-paxton-as-texas-attorney-general/ - Houston Public Media (Texas) — What to know about the candidates vying to replace Ken Paxton as Texas attorney general
https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/2026/10/27/565409/what-to-know-about-the-candidates-vying-to-replace-ken-paxton-as-texas-attorney-general/