Money and MAGA: The Battle for the Texas Attorney General Nomination
The race for the Texas Attorney General’s office has narrowed to a high-stakes runoff between two prominent conservatives: State Senator Mayes Middleton and U.S. Representative Chip Roy. After a contentious four-way Republican primary on March 3, 2026, neither candidate secured the 50% threshold required to win outright, setting the stage for a May 26 runoff election.
- The Candidates: State Sen. Mayes Middleton (39% of primary vote) vs. U.S. Rep. Chip Roy (32% of primary vote).
- The Financial Gap: Middleton has heavily self-funded his campaign, contributing nearly $14 million of his own money.
- The Core Conflict: A clash over “MAGA” credentials and loyalty to Donald Trump.
- The Date: The GOP runoff is scheduled for May 26, 2026.
The Financial Divide: Self-Funding vs. Fundraising
One of the most significant factors in this race is the sheer volume of capital. Mayes Middleton, the CEO of his family’s oil and gas company, has utilized his personal wealth to propel himself into first place. According to the Texas Tribune, Middleton contributed almost $14 million to his own campaign, totaling roughly $15 million in cash.
In contrast, Chip Roy has relied more on transfers from his congressional campaign funds. Roy transferred approximately $2 million into the race, leaving less than $250,000 in his congressional account. Experts suggest that because primary and runoff turnout is typically low—often involving a small fraction of registered voters—the ability to spend heavily on targeted outreach is critical to finding the “needle in a haystack” voters required for victory.
The “MAGA” Litmus Test
Beyond the balance sheets, the runoff has evolved into a battle over who is the “true” MAGA candidate. During an appearance at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Grapevine, Middleton explicitly claimed the title, pointing to his record on Christian faith and transgender issues as evidence of his conservative bona fides (via KERA).
The Trump Connection
Middleton has attempted to weaponize Roy’s past relationship with Donald Trump, specifically citing Roy’s previous assertions that Trump’s conduct during the January 6 Capitol attack was “clearly impeachable.” Middleton argues that GOP voters will not forgive a candidate who spent a decade fighting against the former president.
Roy’s campaign has pushed back, asserting that “actions matter more than campaign rhetoric.” They highlight that Roy is the highest-rated Texas Congressional member voting in line with the GOP platform and the Trump Agenda, noting that Trump himself recently praised Roy’s work in Corpus Christi (via KERA).
Runoff Outlook and Voter Turnout
The road to May 26 is expected to be expensive and aggressive. Historically, GOP runoffs in Texas spot a steep drop in participation. For example, in the 2022 attorney general runoff, only about 900,000 people voted, compared to the 2 million who participated in the 2026 primary. This low turnout increases the value of every dollar spent on voter mobilization and “mud-slinging” advertisements.
Comparison of Candidate Profiles
| Feature | Mayes Middleton | Chip Roy |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Vote | ~39% | ~32% |
| Background | State Senator / Oil & Gas CEO | U.S. Representative |
| Funding Strategy | Heavy self-funding ($14M+) | Congressional fund transfers |
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Texas AG GOP runoff?
The runoff election is scheduled for May 26, 2026.
Who is currently leading in the polls?
While polling for the runoff is not provided, Mayes Middleton finished first in the initial primary with approximately 39% of the vote, followed by Chip Roy with 32%.
What is the primary point of contention between the candidates?
The candidates are clashing over their loyalty to Donald Trump and their respective conservative records, with Middleton positioning himself as the “true MAGA” candidate.
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