For the first time in more than a decade, there is no incumbent in the Texas attorney general’s race as Ken Paxton runs for the U.S. Senate. Candidates on both sides of the aisle competed in runoff elections May 26 after no candidate received a majority of the vote in the March primary.
The background
On the right, state Sen. Mayes Middleton of Galveston and U.S. Rep. Chip Roy of Austin fought for the Republican nomination for the seat. Read a Q&A with the Republican candidates here.
On the left, state Sen. Nathan Johnson of Dallas and former Galveston Mayor Joe Jaworski vied for the Democratic nomination. Read a Q&A with the Democratic candidates here.
The winners of each overtime contest will advance to the Nov. 3 midterm election.
Whoever is elected attorney general in November will shape the future of the office, serving as Texas’ top lawyer and law enforcement officer. The attorney general defends the state in court, files consumer protection lawsuits and issues opinions interpreting state law. The agency also enforces Texas child support laws, investigates human trafficking cases and manages access to public records.
What’s happening
As of press time, early voting results showed Middleton with an initial lead over Roy in the Republican runoff, while Democrat Johnson led Jaworski.
Middleton had 58.39% of the early vote to Roy’s 41.61% in the Republican contest, according to data from the secretary of state’s office. Meanwhile, Johnson had 61.43% of the early vote, and Jaworski had 38.57%.
What’s next
Community Impact will update this article as election day vote totals are released. All results are unofficial until canvassed.
Visit communityimpact.com/voter-guide to see results from all local and state runoffs in your community.