From The Texas Tribune · Eleanor Klibanoff, María Méndez · · 2m
Texas AG 2026 Race: Middleton, Johnson, Oxford
Texas attorney general candidates Middleton, Johnson and Oxford vie for GOP and Democratic control of the state's largest law firm.
In brief
Texas attorney general candidates Middleton, Johnson and Oxford vie for GOP and Democratic control of the state's largest law firm. Texas Republicans and Democrats compete for the attorney general seat in 2026, with Middleton and Johnson leading the race. Originally reported by The Texas Tribune.
Texas Attorney General Office
Texas has one of the largest and most powerful attorney general offices in the country with more than 4,000 employees and 750 lawyers handling legal affairs that impact everyday Texans' lives.
2026 Attorney General Race
President Donald Trump has called Attorney General Ken Paxton the 'greatest attorney general in America' for his record of bringing headline-grabbing conservative litigation.
“greatest attorney general in America”
Paxton's Legacy
Paxton was the Biden administration's chief antagonist in the courts and led lawsuits against nonprofits, tech companies and big business testing novel legal theories in friendly courtrooms across the state.
2026 Candidates
Vying for the role are Democratic state Sen. Nathan Johnson of Dallas, Republican state Sen. Mayes Middleton of Galveston and Libertarian Tom Oxford.
Middleton's Campaign
Middleton has self-funded his bid, personally accounting for nearly two-thirds of his campaign's haul this year with over $17 million poured into the race since launching in 2025.
Middleton's Policy Stances
Middleton says he would aggressively enforce President Trump's border security agenda and deportation orders while upholding anti-abortion laws and fighting the 'woke-left's radical gender agenda'.
“woke-left's radical gender agenda”
Middleton's Legal Focus
Middleton wants the attorney general's office empowered to prosecute any violation of state law, including election-related crimes, which Texas courts have said fall under local prosecutors.
Johnson's Campaign
Johnson has served in the Texas Senate since 2019, representing part of Dallas County, and has passed 134 bills since 2019 spanning water, energy, education, healthcare and criminal justice.
Johnson's Policy Stances
Johnson says he would sue the federal government over border policy and tactics that violate the U.S. Constitution while championing Texas laws that protect consumers and promote business competition.
Johnson's Legal Approach
Johnson wants to independently investigate and prosecute elected officials irrespective of political party to root out corruption and cooperate with local district attorneys.
Oxford's Background
Oxford owns and manages Oxford Law PLLC in Jefferson County, graduated from the University of Texas and the University of Houston College of Law, and has practiced law since 1982.
Oxford's Policy Stances
The Tribune did not find public information about Oxford's policy stances.
The takeaway
Texas Republicans and Democrats compete for the attorney general seat in 2026, with Middleton and Johnson leading the race.
