Texas Attorney General Race: Johnson vs. Middleton in November Election

Democrat Nathan Johnson and Republican Mayes Middleton are headed to the November 2026 general election to become the next Texas Attorney General. Both won their party runoffs in May 2026. The winner will replace outgoing AG Ken Paxton and lead Texas's legal direction for the next four years — including decisions that touch Houston-area issues like environmental enforcement, tenant rights, and healthcare access.

Nathan Johnson is a Democratic state senator from Dallas. He won his primary runoff against former Galveston Mayor Joe Jaworski with nearly 60 percent of the vote. Mayes Middleton is a Republican state senator from the Galveston area who runs his family's oil and gas company. He defeated U.S. Representative Chip Roy in the Republican runoff with about 56 percent of the vote. Johnson has raised significantly less campaign money than Middleton, though Johnson says he only needs enough to introduce himself to voters statewide. Much of the Republican race centered on which candidate best supports President Donald Trump's agenda.

Start by learning where each candidate stands on issues that matter to your household — healthcare, the environment, housing, and consumer protections are all areas the AG's office touches. Look for candidate forums in the Houston area or watch recordings online. Check that your voter registration is current well before the November 2026 election. If you want to do more, consider volunteering with a campaign or helping neighbors get registered.

No fixed date

Not location-specific

This race connects to several issues Houston-area residents already care about: pollution enforcement along the Ship Channel, tenant and housing rights, healthcare access, and how Texas responds to federal policies affecting the regional economy. Harris County voters will be a key audience for both candidates heading into November.

The Texas Attorney General is the state's top lawyer. That office files and fights major lawsuits on behalf of Texas, shapes how state law gets enforced, and takes positions on issues that affect your daily life — from air quality near the Ship Channel to voting rights to consumer protection. Whoever wins in November sets that legal agenda for four years.