It’s a position that shapes the state’s government, economy, and the everyday lives of Texans.
The Attorney General position is open as Attorney General Ken Paxton campaigns for the U.S. Senate. A group of contenders wants the job, and voters can weigh in right now during early voting.
Think of this as round one, because there are so many candidates in this race. It is highly unlikely that one candidate will get fifty percent or more.
Four major candidates on the Republican side duke it out over the airwaves. The top two will go on to a runoff.
Boosted by his high-profile fights in Washington D.C., Central Texas Congressman Chip Roy is the frontrunner according to the polls. Independently wealthy, Texas State Senator Mayes Middleton is making inroads across the state. Texas State Senator Joan Huffman is touting her past experience as a prosecutor and a judge. And a former staffer for President Trump, Ken Paxton and Ted Cruz, Aaron Reitz, is promising to continue in Ken Paxton’s footsteps.
“Well, the big theme on the Republican side has been a race to the right. That is clearly evident as all of the candidates are emphasizing their conservative bona fides and their connection to President Trump,” said political science professor at SMU, Matthew Wilson.
On the Democratic side, voters are facing a regional battle and a wild card.
Former Galveston Mayor Joe Jaworski has a political base around Houston. Dallas State Senator Nathan Johnson is expected to carry the DFW area. However, former FBI agent and prosecutor Tony Box may overperform and force this race into a runoff as well.
“They are emphasizing in their presentation more moderation, competence, and managerial perspectives. They’re not running dramatically to the left,” said Wilson.
Early voting ends on Feb 27. Election Day is March 3. If a runoff is needed, that election will be in late May. Then the general election in November.