{"id":217973,"date":"2026-01-29T05:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-01-29T11:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.texastribune.org\/?p=217973"},"modified":"2026-01-29T05:00:00","modified_gmt":"2026-01-29T11:00:00","slug":"on-the-issues-qa-with-the-republicans-running-for-texas-attorney-general","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.texastribune.org\/2026\/01\/29\/on-the-issues-qa-with-the-republicans-running-for-texas-attorney-general\/","title":{"rendered":"On the issues: Q&amp;A with the Republicans running for Texas attorney general"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-custom-everlit-iframe-embed\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Everlit Audio Player\" src=\"https:\/\/everlit.audio\/embeds\/artl_nP9zWignjbQ?client=wp&amp;client_version=3.0.3&amp;ui_cover_art=false&amp;ui_title_intro=Listen+to+this+article&amp;ui_title_icon=headphones\" width=\"100%\" height=\"130px\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen=\"\"><\/iframe><\/div><style>.wp-block-custom-everlit-iframe-embed { margin: 0 !important; }<\/style><div class=\"everlit-disclaimer\" style=\"margin: 0;\"><div style=\"margin-top: -0.5rem;font-size: 0.7rem;color: #4a4a4a;font-family: Open Sans, Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif\">Audio recording is automated for accessibility. Humans wrote and edited the story. See our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.texastribune.org\/about\/ethics\/#ai-policy\">AI policy<\/a>, and give us <a href=\"https:\/\/airtable.com\/appFeleeKVUN0Iytx\/pagPG40gbkU0EfjIr\/form\">feedback<\/a>.<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p><em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.texastribune.org\/newsletters\/the-brief\/?utm_medium=website&amp;utm_source=trib-ads-owned&amp;utm_campaign=trib-marketing&amp;utm_term=inline-CTA-brief\">Sign up for The Brief<\/a>, The Texas Tribune\u2019s daily newsletter that keeps readers up to speed on the most essential Texas news.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>This is one of a four-part series of surveys featuring candidates in the Republican and Democratic primaries for U.S. Senate and attorney general. Read the survey with Democratic attorney general candidates <a href=\"https:\/\/www.texastribune.org\/2026\/01\/28\/texas-attorney-general-democrats-2026-primary-qa-voter-guide\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a><\/em><strong><em>. <\/em><\/strong><em>See all of our resources for voting in the Texas primaries <a href=\"https:\/\/www.texastribune.org\/2026-vote\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a><\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Attorney General Ken Paxton\u2019s decision to run for U.S. Senate set off an expensive and competitive race to fill one of the state\u2019s most powerful posts.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Four Republicans are seeking the nomination in the March 3 primary, a contest that will be settled in a May runoff if nobody clears 50% of the vote. The winner will take on the Democratic nominee in November and look to continue the GOP\u2019s three-decade winning streak in Texas statewide elections.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Whoever wins this seat as Texas\u2019 top lawyer will be responsible for defending challenges to state agencies and statutes in court, issuing opinions interpreting state law, undertaking investigations and bringing lawsuits to protect residents of the state. They will be responsible for legal affairs that impact everyday Texans\u2019 lives, like enforcing child support judgments, stopping waste and fraud in government programs and investigating deceptive charities, unscrupulous businesses and fraudulent billing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The next attorney general will get to decide the agency\u2019s priorities. To help primary voters distinguish between the four Republican hopefuls, we asked each of them to share their views on the office\u2019s major issues. See where they stand, and how they differ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Notably, three candidates provided responses, but Sen. Mayes Middleton refused to participate. In his absence, Tribune reporters sought out his past public statements and used his legislative record to give voters a view into his thinking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-style-border\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Question topics<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"#state-agencies\">Defending state agencies<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#outside-counsel\">Outside counsel<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#open-records\">Open records law<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#2020-election\">Legitimacy of 2020 election<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#wrongly-decided\">Enforcing wrongly decided rulings<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#enforcing-laws-in-other-states\">Enforcing Texas laws in other states<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#suing-big-business\">Suing big business<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#election-crimes\">Prosecuting election crimes<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#prosecutorial-authority\">Prosecutorial authority<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-style-default has-background is-horizontal is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-a0fb0088 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\" style=\"background-color:#fdf5dd;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:100%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-top is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:100%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:100%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:100%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:250px\"><div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-rounded\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"800\" data-attachment-id=\"217897\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.texastribune.org\/state-sen-joan-huffman-r-houston\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?fit=800%2C800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"800,800\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta='{\"aperture\":\"0\",\"credit\":\"Campaign photo\",\"camera\":\"\",\"caption\":\"State Sen. Joan Huffman, R-Houston.\",\"created_timestamp\":\"1769447033\",\"copyright\":\"\",\"focal_length\":\"0\",\"iso\":\"0\",\"shutter_speed\":\"0\",\"title\":\"State Sen. Joan Huffman, R-Houston.\",\"orientation\":\"0\"}' data-image-title=\"State Sen. Joan Huffman, R-Houston.\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;State Sen. Joan Huffman, R-Houston.&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?fit=300%2C300&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?fit=800%2C800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=800%2C800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-217897\" style=\"width:1500px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?w=800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=300%2C300&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=150%2C150&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=768%2C768&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=600%2C600&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 600w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=400%2C400&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 400w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=200%2C200&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=780%2C780&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 780w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?w=370&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 370w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-51f7783f wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-outline is-style-outline--1\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.joanhuffman.com\/\">Campaign site<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-top is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:100%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-content-justification-left is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-88275ed8 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:0;padding-bottom:0;padding-left:0\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-large-font-size\"><strong>Joan Huffman<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:0;padding-bottom:0;padding-left:0\"><em><em>State Senator, Harris County <\/em><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-right:0;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-left:0\">\ud83d\udcb0 Campaign finance:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul style=\"margin-top:0;margin-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);margin-bottom:0;margin-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"has-small-font-size\">Total raised: $512,017<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-small-font-size\">Total spent: $865,632<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-small-font-size\">Cash on hand: $2,718,093<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-right:0;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-left:0\">\ud83d\udcb0 Major donors this cycle:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul style=\"margin-top:0;margin-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);margin-bottom:0;margin-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"has-small-font-size\">Andrew Schatte, Houston finance executive<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-small-font-size\">Kathy Britton, CEO, Perry Homes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-small-font-size\">Ross Perot Jr., Dallas real estate developer<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p>\ud83c\udfe2 <strong>Experience:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>One of Texas\u2019 longest tenured <a href=\"https:\/\/directory.texastribune.org\/joan-huffman\/\">state senators<\/a>, representing Harris County since 2008<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lead budget writer in the upper chamber and chaired influential redistricting and state affairs committees<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Served two terms as a criminal district judge in Harris County<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Longtime prosecutor, rising to chief felony prosecutor at the Harris County District Attorney\u2019s Office\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>\ud83d\udce3 <strong>Endorsements:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Combined Law Enforcement Associations of Texas<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Joe Gamaldi, president of the National Fraternal Order of Police<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Steve McCraw, former director of Texas Department of Public Safety<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>District attorneys Sean Whittmore, Waller County, and Jack Roady, Galveston County<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-style-default has-background is-horizontal is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-a0fb0088 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\" style=\"background-color:#e9efe4;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:100%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-top is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:100%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:100%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:100%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:250px\"><div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-rounded\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"800\" data-attachment-id=\"217898\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.texastribune.org\/state-sen-mayes-middleton-r-galveston\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?fit=800%2C800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"800,800\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta='{\"aperture\":\"0\",\"credit\":\"Campaign photo\",\"camera\":\"\",\"caption\":\"State Sen. Mayes Middleton, R-Galveston.\",\"created_timestamp\":\"1769447033\",\"copyright\":\"\",\"focal_length\":\"0\",\"iso\":\"0\",\"shutter_speed\":\"0\",\"title\":\"State Sen. Mayes Middleton, R-Galveston.\",\"orientation\":\"0\"}' data-image-title=\"State Sen. Mayes Middleton, R-Galveston.\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;State Sen. Mayes Middleton, R-Galveston.&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?fit=300%2C300&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?fit=800%2C800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=800%2C800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-217898\" style=\"width:1500px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?w=800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=300%2C300&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=150%2C150&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=768%2C768&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=600%2C600&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 600w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=400%2C400&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 400w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=200%2C200&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=780%2C780&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 780w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?w=370&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 370w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-51f7783f wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-outline is-style-outline--2\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/mayesmiddleton.com\/\">Campaign site<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-top is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:100%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-content-justification-left is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-88275ed8 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:0;padding-bottom:0;padding-left:0\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-large-font-size\"><strong>Mayes Middleton<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:0;padding-bottom:0;padding-left:0\"><em><em>State Senator, Galveston<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-right:0;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-left:0\">\ud83d\udcb0 Campaign finance:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul style=\"margin-top:0;margin-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);margin-bottom:0;margin-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"has-small-font-size\">Total raised: $11,819,527<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-small-font-size\">Total spent: $7,133,607<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-small-font-size\">Cash on hand: $5,098,210<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-right:0;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-left:0\">\ud83d\udcb0 Major donors this cycle:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul style=\"margin-top:0;margin-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);margin-bottom:0;margin-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"has-small-font-size\">Himself \u2014 Middleton has self-funded his campaign with more than $11 million<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-small-font-size\">William Oberndorf, California billionaire who supports school vouchers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-small-font-size\">Will Hardeman, Austin car dealership owner<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p>\ud83c\udfe2 <strong>Experience:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/directory.texastribune.org\/mayes-middleton\/\">State senator<\/a> since 2023, representing Galveston and surrounding areas<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>State representative from 2019 to 2023<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>President, Middleton Oil Company, a family company<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Graduate of the University of Texas School of Law<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>\ud83d\udce3 <strong>Endorsements:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Texas Eagle Forum<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The True Texas Project<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Conservative Republicans of Texas<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Republican state legislators including Sen. <a href=\"https:\/\/directory.texastribune.org\/brent-hagenbuch\/\">Brent Hagenbuch<\/a>, R-Denton, Sen. <a href=\"https:\/\/directory.texastribune.org\/adam-hinojosa\/\">Adam Hinojosa<\/a>, R-Corpus Christi, Rep. <a href=\"https:\/\/directory.texastribune.org\/briscoe-cain\/\">Briscoe Cain<\/a>, R-Deerfield, Rep. <a href=\"https:\/\/directory.texastribune.org\/brian-harrison\/\">Brian Harrison<\/a>, R-Midlothian and dozens more\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-style-default has-background is-horizontal is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-a0fb0088 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\" style=\"background-color:#f8ebe8;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:100%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-top is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:100%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:100%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:100%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:250px\"><div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-rounded\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"800\" data-attachment-id=\"218894\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.texastribune.org\/ag-aaron-reitz-campaign-voter-guide\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-Reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide.jpg?fit=800%2C800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"800,800\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta='{\"aperture\":\"0\",\"credit\":\"\",\"camera\":\"\",\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":\"0\",\"copyright\":\"\",\"focal_length\":\"0\",\"iso\":\"0\",\"shutter_speed\":\"0\",\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":\"0\"}' data-image-title=\"AG &amp;#8211; Aaron Reitz &amp;#8211; Campaign &amp;#8211; Voter Guide\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Aaron Reitz&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-Reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide.jpg?fit=300%2C300&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-Reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide.jpg?fit=800%2C800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-Reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide.jpg?resize=800%2C800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"Aaron Reitz\" class=\"wp-image-218894\" style=\"width:1500px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-Reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide.jpg?w=800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-Reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide.jpg?resize=300%2C300&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-Reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide.jpg?resize=150%2C150&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-Reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide.jpg?resize=768%2C768&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-Reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide.jpg?resize=600%2C600&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 600w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-Reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide.jpg?resize=400%2C400&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 400w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-Reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide.jpg?resize=200%2C200&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-Reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide.jpg?resize=780%2C780&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 780w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-Reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide.jpg?w=370&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 370w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-51f7783f wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-outline is-style-outline--3\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/reitzfortexas.com\/\">Campaign site<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-top is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:100%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-content-justification-left is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-88275ed8 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:0;padding-bottom:0;padding-left:0\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-large-font-size\"><strong>Aaron Reitz<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:0;padding-bottom:0;padding-left:0\"><em><em>Former assistant attorney general at the U.S. Department of Justice\u2019s Office of Legal Policy<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-right:0;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-left:0\">\ud83d\udcb0 Campaign finance:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul style=\"margin-top:0;margin-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);margin-bottom:0;margin-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"has-small-font-size\">Total raised: $1,658,444<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-small-font-size\">Total spent: $1,045,705<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-small-font-size\">Cash on hand: $2,953,221<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-right:0;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-left:0\">\ud83d\udcb0 Major donors this cycle:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul style=\"margin-top:0;margin-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);margin-bottom:0;margin-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"has-small-font-size\">Jonathan Knutz, Houston media executive<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-small-font-size\">Matthew Calhoun, Austin energy executive<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-small-font-size\">Ned Fleming, Dallas private equity executive<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p>\ud83c\udfe2 <strong>Experience:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Confirmed as assistant attorney general at the U.S. Department of Justice\u2019s Office of Legal Policy in 2025<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Served as chief of staff for Sen. <a href=\"https:\/\/directory.texastribune.org\/ted-cruz\/\">Ted Cruz<\/a> from 2023 to 2025<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Previously served as deputy attorney general for legal strategy under Paxton<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Clerked for Texas Supreme Court Justice <a href=\"https:\/\/directory.texastribune.org\/jimmy-blacklock\/\">Jimmy Blacklock<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Graduated from University of Texas School of Law<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Served five years in the U.S. Marine Corps, deploying to Afghanistan<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>\ud83d\udce3 <strong>Endorsements:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Attorney General <a href=\"https:\/\/directory.texastribune.org\/ken-paxton\/\">Ken Paxton<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>National Border Patrol Council<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Conservative Political Action Conference<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-style-default has-background is-horizontal is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-a0fb0088 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\" style=\"background-color:#eaf4f2;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:100%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-top is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:100%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:100%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:100%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:250px\"><div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-rounded\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"800\" data-attachment-id=\"217896\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.texastribune.org\/u-s-rep-chip-roy-d-austin\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?fit=800%2C800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"800,800\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta='{\"aperture\":\"0\",\"credit\":\"Campaign photo\",\"camera\":\"\",\"caption\":\"U.S. Rep. Chip Roy, D- Austin.\",\"created_timestamp\":\"1769447033\",\"copyright\":\"\",\"focal_length\":\"0\",\"iso\":\"0\",\"shutter_speed\":\"0\",\"title\":\"U.S. Rep. Chip Roy, D- Austin.\",\"orientation\":\"0\"}' data-image-title=\"U.S. Rep. Chip Roy, D- Austin.\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;U.S. Rep. Chip Roy, D- Austin.&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?fit=300%2C300&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?fit=800%2C800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=800%2C800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-217896\" style=\"width:1500px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?w=800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=300%2C300&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=150%2C150&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=768%2C768&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=600%2C600&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 600w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=400%2C400&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 400w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=200%2C200&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=780%2C780&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 780w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?w=370&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 370w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-51f7783f wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-outline is-style-outline--4\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/chiproy.com\/\">Campaign site<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-top is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:100%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-content-justification-left is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-88275ed8 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:0;padding-bottom:0;padding-left:0\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-large-font-size\"><strong>Chip Roy<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:0;padding-bottom:0;padding-left:0\"><em><em>U.S. Representative, Central Texas<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-right:0;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-left:0\">\ud83d\udcb0 Campaign finance:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul style=\"margin-top:0;margin-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);margin-bottom:0;margin-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"has-small-font-size\">Total raised: $4,500,490<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-small-font-size\">Total spent: $1,224,264<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-small-font-size\">Cash on hand: $4,272,044<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-right:0;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);margin-left:0\">\ud83d\udcb0 Major donors this cycle:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul style=\"margin-top:0;margin-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);margin-bottom:0;margin-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"has-small-font-size\">Chip Roy for Congress (transferred $2.1 million from his federal campaign account)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-small-font-size\">Douglas Scharbauer, Midland oil investor<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-small-font-size\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.texastribune.org\/2024\/12\/17\/alex-fairly-texas-republican-political-group\/\">Alex Fairly, Amarillo businessman<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p>\ud83c\udfe2 <strong>Experience:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Four-term <a href=\"https:\/\/directory.texastribune.org\/chip-roy\/\">congressman<\/a> representing Central Texas in the U.S. House\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Former chief of staff to Sen. Ted Cruz<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>First assistant attorney general under Paxton<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Senior adviser to Gov. Rick Perry from 2011 to 2012, and ghostwriter of his book, \u201cFed Up!\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>\ud83d\udce3 <strong>Endorsements:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, and U.S. representatives including <a href=\"https:\/\/directory.texastribune.org\/keith-self\/\">Keith Self,<\/a> R-Mckinney, <a href=\"https:\/\/directory.texastribune.org\/ronny-jackson\/\">Ronny Jackson<\/a>, R-Amarillo, <a href=\"https:\/\/directory.texastribune.org\/beth-van-duyne\/\">Beth Van Duyne<\/a>, R-Dallas, <a href=\"https:\/\/directory.texastribune.org\/michael-cloud\/\">Michael Cloud<\/a>, R-Victoria, and <a href=\"https:\/\/directory.texastribune.org\/pete-sessions\/\">Pete Sessions<\/a>, R-Waco\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Former U.S. reps. Matt Gaetz and Mark Meadows<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-huge-font-size\"><strong>Q&amp;A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Editor\u2019s note: These responses have been lightly edited for clarity and length. Minor changes have been made, when necessary, to correct grammatical or spelling errors and ensure the text conforms with Tribune style.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\" id=\"state-agencies\" style=\"font-size:25px\"><strong><strong><strong><strong>Attorney General Ken Paxton has refused to represent state agencies in certain lawsuits \u2014 at least 75 times in a recent two-year period \u2014 forcing agencies to hire outside counsel. Does the OAG have a responsibility to defend all state agencies in-house?<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"background-color:#fdf5dd;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);flex-basis:100%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-normal-font-size\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:0;padding-bottom:0;padding-left:0\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-c6b4b7cd wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-style-default is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-top is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:0;padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);flex-basis:150px\"><div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-rounded\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"800\" data-attachment-id=\"217897\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.texastribune.org\/state-sen-joan-huffman-r-houston\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?fit=800%2C800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"800,800\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta='{\"aperture\":\"0\",\"credit\":\"Campaign photo\",\"camera\":\"\",\"caption\":\"State Sen. Joan Huffman, R-Houston.\",\"created_timestamp\":\"1769447033\",\"copyright\":\"\",\"focal_length\":\"0\",\"iso\":\"0\",\"shutter_speed\":\"0\",\"title\":\"State Sen. Joan Huffman, R-Houston.\",\"orientation\":\"0\"}' data-image-title=\"State Sen. Joan Huffman, R-Houston.\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;State Sen. Joan Huffman, R-Houston.&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?fit=300%2C300&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?fit=800%2C800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=800%2C800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-217897\" style=\"width:1500px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?w=800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=300%2C300&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=150%2C150&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=768%2C768&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=600%2C600&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 600w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=400%2C400&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 400w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=200%2C200&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=780%2C780&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 780w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?w=370&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 370w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:0;padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-style-default is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-8cf370e7 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\"><strong>Huffman<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-container-content-9cfa9a5a\">The Texas Government Code designates the attorney general as the state\u2019s chief legal officer, responsible for representing Texas in matters of statewide interest. Under <a href=\"https:\/\/statutes.capitol.texas.gov\/?tab=1&amp;code=GV&amp;chapter=GV.402&amp;artSec=402.021\">Section 402.021<\/a>, the attorney general is tasked with prosecuting and defending actions in which the state has an interest before higher courts, though this authority does not require in-house representation in every case or venue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\">In practice, the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) acts as the primary counsel for state agencies. However, the law provides necessary flexibility: The OAG may decline representation in cases involving conflicts of interest or requiring specialized expertise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-container-content-9cfa9a5a\">As attorney general, my approach would emphasize and prioritize in-house representation whenever feasible to control costs and promote efficiency. At the same time, I would responsibly authorize outside counsel when it clearly benefits Texas taxpayers \u2014 making such decisions transparently and consistently with conservative values of fiscal responsibility.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"background-color:#f8ebe8;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);flex-basis:100%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-normal-font-size\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:0;padding-bottom:0;padding-left:0\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-c6b4b7cd wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-style-default is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-top is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:0;padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);flex-basis:150px\"><div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-rounded\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"800\" data-attachment-id=\"217895\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.texastribune.org\/aaron-reiutz\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?fit=800%2C800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"800,800\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta='{\"aperture\":\"0\",\"credit\":\"Campaign photo\",\"camera\":\"\",\"caption\":\"Aaron Reiutz\",\"created_timestamp\":\"1769446980\",\"copyright\":\"\",\"focal_length\":\"0\",\"iso\":\"0\",\"shutter_speed\":\"0\",\"title\":\"Aaron Reiutz\",\"orientation\":\"0\"}' data-image-title=\"Aaron Reiutz\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?fit=300%2C300&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?fit=800%2C800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=800%2C800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-217895\" style=\"width:1500px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?w=800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=300%2C300&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=150%2C150&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=768%2C768&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=600%2C600&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 600w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=400%2C400&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 400w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=200%2C200&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=780%2C780&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 780w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?w=370&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 370w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:0;padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-style-default is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-8cf370e7 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\"><strong>Reitz<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-container-content-9cfa9a5a\">The attorney general does not exist to be a defense lawyer for rogue bureaucrats. The AG\u2019s chief duties are to the U.S. Constitution, the Texas Constitution, and Texas law. When a state agency violates the law or the Constitution, the attorney general is not obligated to defend that misconduct in court. Agencies are free to fix their unlawful behavior if they want the attorney general\u2019s help; they are not entitled to conscript him into defending it.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"background-color:#eaf4f2;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);flex-basis:100%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-normal-font-size\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:0;padding-bottom:0;padding-left:0\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-c6b4b7cd wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-style-default is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-top is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:0;padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);flex-basis:150px\"><div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-rounded\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"800\" data-attachment-id=\"217896\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.texastribune.org\/u-s-rep-chip-roy-d-austin\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?fit=800%2C800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"800,800\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta='{\"aperture\":\"0\",\"credit\":\"Campaign photo\",\"camera\":\"\",\"caption\":\"U.S. Rep. Chip Roy, D- Austin.\",\"created_timestamp\":\"1769447033\",\"copyright\":\"\",\"focal_length\":\"0\",\"iso\":\"0\",\"shutter_speed\":\"0\",\"title\":\"U.S. Rep. Chip Roy, D- Austin.\",\"orientation\":\"0\"}' data-image-title=\"U.S. Rep. Chip Roy, D- Austin.\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;U.S. Rep. Chip Roy, D- Austin.&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?fit=300%2C300&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?fit=800%2C800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=800%2C800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-217896\" style=\"width:1500px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?w=800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=300%2C300&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=150%2C150&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=768%2C768&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=600%2C600&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 600w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=400%2C400&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 400w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=200%2C200&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=780%2C780&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 780w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?w=370&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 370w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:0;padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-style-default is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-8cf370e7 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\"><strong>Roy<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-container-content-9cfa9a5a\">No. The OAG has a responsibility to have the best in-house lawyers possible and to find the most cost-effective way to win litigation. Sometimes that means employing outside counsel, but in partnership with a stellar in-house team to minimize costs and maximize state expertise.<br><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"background-color:#e9efe4;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);flex-basis:100%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-normal-font-size\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:0;padding-bottom:0;padding-left:0\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-c6b4b7cd wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-style-default is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-top is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:0;padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);flex-basis:150px\"><div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-rounded\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"800\" data-attachment-id=\"217898\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.texastribune.org\/state-sen-mayes-middleton-r-galveston\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?fit=800%2C800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"800,800\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta='{\"aperture\":\"0\",\"credit\":\"Campaign photo\",\"camera\":\"\",\"caption\":\"State Sen. Mayes Middleton, R-Galveston.\",\"created_timestamp\":\"1769447033\",\"copyright\":\"\",\"focal_length\":\"0\",\"iso\":\"0\",\"shutter_speed\":\"0\",\"title\":\"State Sen. Mayes Middleton, R-Galveston.\",\"orientation\":\"0\"}' data-image-title=\"State Sen. Mayes Middleton, R-Galveston.\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;State Sen. Mayes Middleton, R-Galveston.&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?fit=300%2C300&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?fit=800%2C800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=800%2C800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-217898\" style=\"width:1500px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?w=800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=300%2C300&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=150%2C150&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=768%2C768&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=600%2C600&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 600w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=400%2C400&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 400w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=200%2C200&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=780%2C780&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 780w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?w=370&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 370w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:0;padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-style-default is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-8cf370e7 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\"><strong>Middleton<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-container-content-9cfa9a5a\">Did not respond to questions. The Texas Tribune was unable to find public comments from Middleton on this issue.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\"><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\" id=\"outside-counsel\" style=\"font-size:25px\"><strong><strong><strong>Paxton has also relied on outside counsel for lawsuits against Big Tech and pharmaceutical companies, among other cases. Would you continue that practice?<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"background-color:#fdf5dd;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);flex-basis:100%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-normal-font-size\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:0;padding-bottom:0;padding-left:0\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-c6b4b7cd wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-style-default is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-top is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:0;padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);flex-basis:150px\"><div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-rounded\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"800\" data-attachment-id=\"217897\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.texastribune.org\/state-sen-joan-huffman-r-houston\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?fit=800%2C800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"800,800\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta='{\"aperture\":\"0\",\"credit\":\"Campaign photo\",\"camera\":\"\",\"caption\":\"State Sen. Joan Huffman, R-Houston.\",\"created_timestamp\":\"1769447033\",\"copyright\":\"\",\"focal_length\":\"0\",\"iso\":\"0\",\"shutter_speed\":\"0\",\"title\":\"State Sen. Joan Huffman, R-Houston.\",\"orientation\":\"0\"}' data-image-title=\"State Sen. Joan Huffman, R-Houston.\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;State Sen. Joan Huffman, R-Houston.&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?fit=300%2C300&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?fit=800%2C800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=800%2C800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-217897\" style=\"width:1500px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?w=800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=300%2C300&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=150%2C150&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=768%2C768&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=600%2C600&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 600w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=400%2C400&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 400w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=200%2C200&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=780%2C780&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 780w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?w=370&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 370w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:0;padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-style-default is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-8cf370e7 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\"><strong>Huffman<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-container-content-9cfa9a5a\">I am open to continuing the use of outside counsel in complex, high-stakes litigation against Big Tech, pharmaceutical companies, and similar entities, but only when it is strategically advantageous and fiscally responsible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-container-content-9cfa9a5a\">This approach is not about abdicating core responsibilities; it is about deploying the highest-caliber legal expertise to effectively hold powerful corporations accountable\u2014particularly when their actions, such as antitrust violations or deceptive drug marketing, harm Texans.<br><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"background-color:#f8ebe8;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);flex-basis:100%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-normal-font-size\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:0;padding-bottom:0;padding-left:0\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-c6b4b7cd wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-style-default is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-top is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:0;padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);flex-basis:150px\"><div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-rounded\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"800\" data-attachment-id=\"217895\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.texastribune.org\/aaron-reiutz\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?fit=800%2C800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"800,800\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta='{\"aperture\":\"0\",\"credit\":\"Campaign photo\",\"camera\":\"\",\"caption\":\"Aaron Reiutz\",\"created_timestamp\":\"1769446980\",\"copyright\":\"\",\"focal_length\":\"0\",\"iso\":\"0\",\"shutter_speed\":\"0\",\"title\":\"Aaron Reiutz\",\"orientation\":\"0\"}' data-image-title=\"Aaron Reiutz\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?fit=300%2C300&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?fit=800%2C800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=800%2C800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-217895\" style=\"width:1500px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?w=800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=300%2C300&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=150%2C150&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=768%2C768&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=600%2C600&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 600w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=400%2C400&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 400w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=200%2C200&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=780%2C780&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 780w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?w=370&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 370w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:0;padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-style-default is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-8cf370e7 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\"><strong>Reitz<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-container-content-9cfa9a5a\">Yes. Anyone who thinks the Texas Attorney General\u2019s Office should fight trillion-dollar Big Tech monopolies or global pharmaceutical cartels without specialized outside counsel is either unserious or dishonest. Outside counsel, when used properly, are force multipliers, not substitutes. The AG sets strategy, controls the case, and answers to the public. The goal is a win for Texans while saving taxpayer dollars. The prudential, case-by-case employment of outside counsel accomplishes these goals.<br><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"background-color:#eaf4f2;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);flex-basis:100%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-normal-font-size\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:0;padding-bottom:0;padding-left:0\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-c6b4b7cd wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-style-default is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-top is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:0;padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);flex-basis:150px\"><div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-rounded\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"800\" data-attachment-id=\"217896\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.texastribune.org\/u-s-rep-chip-roy-d-austin\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?fit=800%2C800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"800,800\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta='{\"aperture\":\"0\",\"credit\":\"Campaign photo\",\"camera\":\"\",\"caption\":\"U.S. Rep. Chip Roy, D- Austin.\",\"created_timestamp\":\"1769447033\",\"copyright\":\"\",\"focal_length\":\"0\",\"iso\":\"0\",\"shutter_speed\":\"0\",\"title\":\"U.S. Rep. Chip Roy, D- Austin.\",\"orientation\":\"0\"}' data-image-title=\"U.S. Rep. Chip Roy, D- Austin.\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;U.S. Rep. Chip Roy, D- Austin.&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?fit=300%2C300&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?fit=800%2C800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=800%2C800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-217896\" style=\"width:1500px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?w=800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=300%2C300&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=150%2C150&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=768%2C768&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=600%2C600&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 600w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=400%2C400&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 400w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=200%2C200&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=780%2C780&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 780w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?w=370&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 370w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:0;padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-style-default is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-8cf370e7 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\"><strong>Roy<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-container-content-9cfa9a5a\">It is perfectly appropriate to use outside counsel. I will continue to use outside counsel but would review all outside contracts in a way consistent with my answer above.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"background-color:#e9efe4;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);flex-basis:100%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-normal-font-size\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:0;padding-bottom:0;padding-left:0\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-c6b4b7cd wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-style-default is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-top is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:0;padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);flex-basis:150px\"><div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-rounded\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"800\" data-attachment-id=\"217898\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.texastribune.org\/state-sen-mayes-middleton-r-galveston\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?fit=800%2C800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"800,800\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta='{\"aperture\":\"0\",\"credit\":\"Campaign photo\",\"camera\":\"\",\"caption\":\"State Sen. Mayes Middleton, R-Galveston.\",\"created_timestamp\":\"1769447033\",\"copyright\":\"\",\"focal_length\":\"0\",\"iso\":\"0\",\"shutter_speed\":\"0\",\"title\":\"State Sen. Mayes Middleton, R-Galveston.\",\"orientation\":\"0\"}' data-image-title=\"State Sen. Mayes Middleton, R-Galveston.\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;State Sen. Mayes Middleton, R-Galveston.&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?fit=300%2C300&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?fit=800%2C800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=800%2C800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-217898\" style=\"width:1500px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?w=800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=300%2C300&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=150%2C150&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=768%2C768&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=600%2C600&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 600w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=400%2C400&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 400w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=200%2C200&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=780%2C780&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 780w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?w=370&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 370w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:0;padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-style-default is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-8cf370e7 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\"><strong>Middleton<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-container-content-9cfa9a5a\">Did not respond to questions. The Texas Tribune was unable to find public comments from Middleton on this issue.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\" id=\"open-records\" style=\"font-size:25px\"><strong><strong><strong><strong>The attorney general is responsible for interpreting and enforcing open records law. How would your approach to open records be similar or different than Paxton\u2019s?<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"background-color:#fdf5dd;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);flex-basis:100%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-normal-font-size\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:0;padding-bottom:0;padding-left:0\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-c6b4b7cd wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-style-default is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-top is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:0;padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);flex-basis:150px\"><div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-rounded\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"800\" data-attachment-id=\"217897\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.texastribune.org\/state-sen-joan-huffman-r-houston\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?fit=800%2C800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"800,800\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta='{\"aperture\":\"0\",\"credit\":\"Campaign photo\",\"camera\":\"\",\"caption\":\"State Sen. Joan Huffman, R-Houston.\",\"created_timestamp\":\"1769447033\",\"copyright\":\"\",\"focal_length\":\"0\",\"iso\":\"0\",\"shutter_speed\":\"0\",\"title\":\"State Sen. Joan Huffman, R-Houston.\",\"orientation\":\"0\"}' data-image-title=\"State Sen. Joan Huffman, R-Houston.\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;State Sen. Joan Huffman, R-Houston.&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?fit=300%2C300&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?fit=800%2C800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=800%2C800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-217897\" style=\"width:1500px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?w=800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=300%2C300&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=150%2C150&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=768%2C768&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=600%2C600&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 600w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=400%2C400&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 400w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=200%2C200&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=780%2C780&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 780w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?w=370&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 370w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:0;padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-style-default is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-8cf370e7 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\"><strong>Huffman<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-container-content-9cfa9a5a\">The Texas Attorney General\u2019s Office plays a critical role in interpreting and enforcing the Public Information Act (PIA), which ensures government transparency by allowing citizens to access public records. I would aggressively enforce the PIA against any entities that violate its requirements, ensuring accountability and openness in government.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"background-color:#f8ebe8;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);flex-basis:100%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-normal-font-size\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:0;padding-bottom:0;padding-left:0\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-c6b4b7cd wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-style-default is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-top is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:0;padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);flex-basis:150px\"><div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-rounded\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"800\" data-attachment-id=\"217895\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.texastribune.org\/aaron-reiutz\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?fit=800%2C800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"800,800\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta='{\"aperture\":\"0\",\"credit\":\"Campaign photo\",\"camera\":\"\",\"caption\":\"Aaron Reiutz\",\"created_timestamp\":\"1769446980\",\"copyright\":\"\",\"focal_length\":\"0\",\"iso\":\"0\",\"shutter_speed\":\"0\",\"title\":\"Aaron Reiutz\",\"orientation\":\"0\"}' data-image-title=\"Aaron Reiutz\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?fit=300%2C300&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?fit=800%2C800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=800%2C800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-217895\" style=\"width:1500px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?w=800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=300%2C300&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=150%2C150&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=768%2C768&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=600%2C600&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 600w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=400%2C400&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 400w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=200%2C200&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=780%2C780&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 780w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?w=370&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 370w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:0;padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-style-default is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-8cf370e7 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\"><strong>Reitz<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-container-content-9cfa9a5a\">\u201cSunlight is the best disinfectant.\u201d That principle guided my work when I oversaw the Public Information and Open Records Divisions as AG Paxton\u2019s deputy, and it will guide me again. Transparency is not optional, and it is not something government grants grudgingly. The law is heavily biased toward disclosure, and I enforced it that way. I\u2019ll continue to do so.<br><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"background-color:#eaf4f2;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);flex-basis:100%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-normal-font-size\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:0;padding-bottom:0;padding-left:0\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-c6b4b7cd wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-style-default is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-top is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:0;padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);flex-basis:150px\"><div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-rounded\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"800\" data-attachment-id=\"217896\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.texastribune.org\/u-s-rep-chip-roy-d-austin\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?fit=800%2C800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"800,800\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta='{\"aperture\":\"0\",\"credit\":\"Campaign photo\",\"camera\":\"\",\"caption\":\"U.S. Rep. Chip Roy, D- Austin.\",\"created_timestamp\":\"1769447033\",\"copyright\":\"\",\"focal_length\":\"0\",\"iso\":\"0\",\"shutter_speed\":\"0\",\"title\":\"U.S. Rep. Chip Roy, D- Austin.\",\"orientation\":\"0\"}' data-image-title=\"U.S. Rep. Chip Roy, D- Austin.\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;U.S. Rep. Chip Roy, D- Austin.&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?fit=300%2C300&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?fit=800%2C800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=800%2C800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-217896\" style=\"width:1500px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?w=800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=300%2C300&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=150%2C150&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=768%2C768&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=600%2C600&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 600w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=400%2C400&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 400w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=200%2C200&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=780%2C780&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 780w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?w=370&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 370w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:0;padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-style-default is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-8cf370e7 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\"><strong>Roy<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-container-content-9cfa9a5a\">Texans deserve transparency from their government. I would ensure the Open Records Division operates with clear timelines, responsiveness, and respect for the public\u2019s right to know. I also believe we should investigate best practices with modern technology, AI, and other tools to ensure we have the most transparent government possible with the fastest turnaround of cases at OAG possible.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"background-color:#e9efe4;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);flex-basis:100%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-normal-font-size\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:0;padding-bottom:0;padding-left:0\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-c6b4b7cd wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-style-default is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-top is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:0;padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);flex-basis:150px\"><div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-rounded\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"800\" data-attachment-id=\"217898\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.texastribune.org\/state-sen-mayes-middleton-r-galveston\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?fit=800%2C800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"800,800\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta='{\"aperture\":\"0\",\"credit\":\"Campaign photo\",\"camera\":\"\",\"caption\":\"State Sen. Mayes Middleton, R-Galveston.\",\"created_timestamp\":\"1769447033\",\"copyright\":\"\",\"focal_length\":\"0\",\"iso\":\"0\",\"shutter_speed\":\"0\",\"title\":\"State Sen. Mayes Middleton, R-Galveston.\",\"orientation\":\"0\"}' data-image-title=\"State Sen. Mayes Middleton, R-Galveston.\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;State Sen. Mayes Middleton, R-Galveston.&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?fit=300%2C300&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?fit=800%2C800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=800%2C800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-217898\" style=\"width:1500px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?w=800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=300%2C300&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=150%2C150&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=768%2C768&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=600%2C600&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 600w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=400%2C400&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 400w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=200%2C200&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=780%2C780&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 780w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?w=370&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 370w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:0;padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-style-default is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-8cf370e7 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\"><strong>Middleton<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-container-content-9cfa9a5a\">Did not respond to questions. Middleton has <a href=\"https:\/\/www.galvnews.com\/news\/middleton-introduces-five-bills-seeking-more-government-transparency\/article_ee9aab4e-f13a-5104-8732-158ef598d9f4.html?fbclid=IwY2xjawPco_JleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeWFqSsOVNSqJQuxB0lBE-wFwG-436_mHno0pa0AtVOS0Y4Ay6wjEMn2KxX7U_aem__auqpmtqCgdO4YeFXop9Lg\">filed legislation to expand access to open records<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/share\/r\/1LWSZRiRoi\/\">has said<\/a> making records widely accessible is a top campaign priority, citing them as a key tool to fight waste, fraud and abuse. While he hasn\u2019t addressed Paxton\u2019s handling of open records law specifically, Middleton said that \u201copen records have largely become closed records,\u201d and he would push for more transparency and accessibility as attorney general.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\" id=\"2020-election\" style=\"font-size:25px\"><strong><strong><strong><strong>Paxton filed a lawsuit challenging the results of the 2020 election as illegitimate; that lawsuit was promptly dismissed by the U.S. Supreme Court. Would you have filed a similar lawsuit if you\u2019d been running the office then? Do you believe the 2020 election was legitimate?<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"background-color:#fdf5dd;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);flex-basis:100%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-normal-font-size\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:0;padding-bottom:0;padding-left:0\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-c6b4b7cd wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-style-default is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-top is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:0;padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);flex-basis:150px\"><div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-rounded\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"800\" data-attachment-id=\"217897\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.texastribune.org\/state-sen-joan-huffman-r-houston\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?fit=800%2C800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"800,800\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta='{\"aperture\":\"0\",\"credit\":\"Campaign photo\",\"camera\":\"\",\"caption\":\"State Sen. Joan Huffman, R-Houston.\",\"created_timestamp\":\"1769447033\",\"copyright\":\"\",\"focal_length\":\"0\",\"iso\":\"0\",\"shutter_speed\":\"0\",\"title\":\"State Sen. Joan Huffman, R-Houston.\",\"orientation\":\"0\"}' data-image-title=\"State Sen. Joan Huffman, R-Houston.\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;State Sen. Joan Huffman, R-Houston.&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?fit=300%2C300&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?fit=800%2C800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=800%2C800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-217897\" style=\"width:1500px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?w=800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=300%2C300&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=150%2C150&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=768%2C768&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=600%2C600&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 600w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=400%2C400&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 400w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=200%2C200&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=780%2C780&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 780w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?w=370&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 370w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:0;padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-style-default is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-8cf370e7 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\"><strong>Huffman<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-container-content-9cfa9a5a\">I cannot speculate on decisions regarding the 2020 election, as I did not have access to the specific facts, evidence, or legal analyses available at that time. As Texas attorney general, my focus would be on proactively strengthening Texas-specific election security measures \u2014 such as the voter ID requirements I passed as a state senator, ramping up defenses against cyber interference through advanced threat detection systems and robust state-level cybersecurity protocols, and collaborating closely with counties to ensure local elections are conducted strictly by the book with rigorous audits and compliance checks \u2014 to build unshakeable public confidence and eliminate any future doubts about the integrity of our elections.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"background-color:#f8ebe8;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);flex-basis:100%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-normal-font-size\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:0;padding-bottom:0;padding-left:0\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-c6b4b7cd wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-style-default is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-top is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:0;padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);flex-basis:150px\"><div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-rounded\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"800\" data-attachment-id=\"217895\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.texastribune.org\/aaron-reiutz\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?fit=800%2C800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"800,800\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta='{\"aperture\":\"0\",\"credit\":\"Campaign photo\",\"camera\":\"\",\"caption\":\"Aaron Reiutz\",\"created_timestamp\":\"1769446980\",\"copyright\":\"\",\"focal_length\":\"0\",\"iso\":\"0\",\"shutter_speed\":\"0\",\"title\":\"Aaron Reiutz\",\"orientation\":\"0\"}' data-image-title=\"Aaron Reiutz\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?fit=300%2C300&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?fit=800%2C800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=800%2C800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-217895\" style=\"width:1500px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?w=800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=300%2C300&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=150%2C150&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=768%2C768&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=600%2C600&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 600w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=400%2C400&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 400w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=200%2C200&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=780%2C780&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 780w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?w=370&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 370w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:0;padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-style-default is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-8cf370e7 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\"><strong>Reitz<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-container-content-9cfa9a5a\">I didn\u2019t just support that lawsuit \u2014 I filed it. And yes, I would do it again. Four states violated the U.S. Constitution by unilaterally rewriting election rules under the pretext of Covid, and those violations affected the entire country. Two Supreme Court justices \u2014 Samuel Alito and Clarence Thomas \u2014 said on record that the court had an obligation to hear the case. Dismissing it on standing grounds didn\u2019t make the underlying conduct constitutional. So no, the 2020 election was not legitimate. And yes, Texas was right to challenge it.<br><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"background-color:#eaf4f2;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);flex-basis:100%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-normal-font-size\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:0;padding-bottom:0;padding-left:0\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-c6b4b7cd wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-style-default is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-top is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:0;padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);flex-basis:150px\"><div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-rounded\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"800\" data-attachment-id=\"217896\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.texastribune.org\/u-s-rep-chip-roy-d-austin\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?fit=800%2C800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"800,800\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta='{\"aperture\":\"0\",\"credit\":\"Campaign photo\",\"camera\":\"\",\"caption\":\"U.S. Rep. Chip Roy, D- Austin.\",\"created_timestamp\":\"1769447033\",\"copyright\":\"\",\"focal_length\":\"0\",\"iso\":\"0\",\"shutter_speed\":\"0\",\"title\":\"U.S. Rep. Chip Roy, D- Austin.\",\"orientation\":\"0\"}' data-image-title=\"U.S. Rep. Chip Roy, D- Austin.\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;U.S. Rep. Chip Roy, D- Austin.&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?fit=300%2C300&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?fit=800%2C800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=800%2C800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-217896\" style=\"width:1500px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?w=800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=300%2C300&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=150%2C150&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=768%2C768&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=600%2C600&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 600w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=400%2C400&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 400w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=200%2C200&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=780%2C780&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 780w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?w=370&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 370w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:0;padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-style-default is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-8cf370e7 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\"><strong>Roy<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-container-content-9cfa9a5a\">The 2020 election was plagued with rampant fraud, as has been increasingly documented over time, and raised very legitimate questions about the electors. I was publicly and privately concerned about alleged fraud at the time, was targeted by the New York Times and other media over private text messages to my friend Mark Meadows (then chief of staff to the president) about those issues, and have even been the target of the DOJ for daring to question the outcome of the election.\u00a0 As I very publicly said at the time, I disagreed with the litigation strategy because I knew it would be tossed out for lack of standing (it was), was therefore a distraction from focusing on what we could review, and that one state should not be trying to tell another state how it selects its electors. (As AG, I would defend Texas against any challenge to our process.)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"background-color:#e9efe4;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);flex-basis:100%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-normal-font-size\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:0;padding-bottom:0;padding-left:0\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-c6b4b7cd wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-style-default is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-top is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:0;padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);flex-basis:150px\"><div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-rounded\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"800\" data-attachment-id=\"217898\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.texastribune.org\/state-sen-mayes-middleton-r-galveston\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?fit=800%2C800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"800,800\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta='{\"aperture\":\"0\",\"credit\":\"Campaign photo\",\"camera\":\"\",\"caption\":\"State Sen. Mayes Middleton, R-Galveston.\",\"created_timestamp\":\"1769447033\",\"copyright\":\"\",\"focal_length\":\"0\",\"iso\":\"0\",\"shutter_speed\":\"0\",\"title\":\"State Sen. Mayes Middleton, R-Galveston.\",\"orientation\":\"0\"}' data-image-title=\"State Sen. Mayes Middleton, R-Galveston.\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;State Sen. Mayes Middleton, R-Galveston.&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?fit=300%2C300&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?fit=800%2C800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=800%2C800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-217898\" style=\"width:1500px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?w=800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=300%2C300&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=150%2C150&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=768%2C768&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=600%2C600&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 600w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=400%2C400&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 400w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=200%2C200&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=780%2C780&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 780w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?w=370&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 370w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:0;padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-style-default is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-8cf370e7 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\"><strong>Middleton <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-container-content-9cfa9a5a\">Did not respond to questions. Middleton has said the 2020 election was \u201cstolen\u201d from President Donald Trump.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\" id=\"wrongly-decided\" style=\"font-size:25px\"><strong><strong><strong><strong>Do you believe the state has to cooperate with court rulings, from state or federal courts, that you believe were wrongly decided?<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"background-color:#fdf5dd;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);flex-basis:100%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-normal-font-size\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:0;padding-bottom:0;padding-left:0\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-c6b4b7cd wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-style-default is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-top is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:0;padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);flex-basis:150px\"><div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-rounded\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"800\" data-attachment-id=\"217897\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.texastribune.org\/state-sen-joan-huffman-r-houston\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?fit=800%2C800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"800,800\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta='{\"aperture\":\"0\",\"credit\":\"Campaign photo\",\"camera\":\"\",\"caption\":\"State Sen. Joan Huffman, R-Houston.\",\"created_timestamp\":\"1769447033\",\"copyright\":\"\",\"focal_length\":\"0\",\"iso\":\"0\",\"shutter_speed\":\"0\",\"title\":\"State Sen. Joan Huffman, R-Houston.\",\"orientation\":\"0\"}' data-image-title=\"State Sen. Joan Huffman, R-Houston.\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;State Sen. Joan Huffman, R-Houston.&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?fit=300%2C300&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?fit=800%2C800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=800%2C800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-217897\" style=\"width:1500px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?w=800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=300%2C300&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=150%2C150&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=768%2C768&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=600%2C600&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 600w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=400%2C400&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 400w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=200%2C200&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=780%2C780&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 780w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?w=370&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 370w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:0;padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-style-default is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-8cf370e7 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\"><strong>Huffman<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-container-content-9cfa9a5a\">The state must cooperate with court rulings from both state and federal courts, even if I believe they were wrongly decided. This unwavering adherence to the rule of law \u2014 upholding court rulings even when we disagree \u2014 is the bedrock principle that distinguishes America from nations where justice is arbitrary, selective, or absent altogether. As attorney general, I would defend Texas laws vigorously in court, appeal adverse decisions when warranted, and seek higher review where possible.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"background-color:#f8ebe8;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);flex-basis:100%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-normal-font-size\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:0;padding-bottom:0;padding-left:0\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-c6b4b7cd wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-style-default is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-top is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:0;padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);flex-basis:150px\"><div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-rounded\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"800\" data-attachment-id=\"217895\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.texastribune.org\/aaron-reiutz\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?fit=800%2C800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"800,800\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta='{\"aperture\":\"0\",\"credit\":\"Campaign photo\",\"camera\":\"\",\"caption\":\"Aaron Reiutz\",\"created_timestamp\":\"1769446980\",\"copyright\":\"\",\"focal_length\":\"0\",\"iso\":\"0\",\"shutter_speed\":\"0\",\"title\":\"Aaron Reiutz\",\"orientation\":\"0\"}' data-image-title=\"Aaron Reiutz\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?fit=300%2C300&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?fit=800%2C800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=800%2C800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-217895\" style=\"width:1500px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?w=800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=300%2C300&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=150%2C150&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=768%2C768&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=600%2C600&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 600w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=400%2C400&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 400w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=200%2C200&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=780%2C780&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 780w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?w=370&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 370w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:0;padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-style-default is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-8cf370e7 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\"><strong>Reitz<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-container-content-9cfa9a5a\">Blind obedience to every court ruling is not the rule of law \u2014 it\u2019s judicial supremacy. Courts have a role, but it is a limited one, and judges do not possess roving authority to rewrite laws or constitutions. There are some limited circumstances \u2014 rare, serious ones \u2014 where the political branches must resist unlawful judicial overreach. Democrats hate that view. When I was confirmed by the Senate to my post at the Justice Department, the senior Democrat on the Judiciary Committee called me a \u201cdanger to the rule of law\u201d for holding it. I consider that a compliment.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"background-color:#eaf4f2;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);flex-basis:100%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-normal-font-size\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:0;padding-bottom:0;padding-left:0\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-c6b4b7cd wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-style-default is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-top is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:0;padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);flex-basis:150px\"><div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-rounded\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"800\" data-attachment-id=\"217896\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.texastribune.org\/u-s-rep-chip-roy-d-austin\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?fit=800%2C800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"800,800\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta='{\"aperture\":\"0\",\"credit\":\"Campaign photo\",\"camera\":\"\",\"caption\":\"U.S. Rep. Chip Roy, D- Austin.\",\"created_timestamp\":\"1769447033\",\"copyright\":\"\",\"focal_length\":\"0\",\"iso\":\"0\",\"shutter_speed\":\"0\",\"title\":\"U.S. Rep. Chip Roy, D- Austin.\",\"orientation\":\"0\"}' data-image-title=\"U.S. Rep. Chip Roy, D- Austin.\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;U.S. Rep. Chip Roy, D- Austin.&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?fit=300%2C300&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?fit=800%2C800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=800%2C800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-217896\" style=\"width:1500px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?w=800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=300%2C300&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=150%2C150&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=768%2C768&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=600%2C600&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 600w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=400%2C400&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 400w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=200%2C200&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=780%2C780&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 780w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?w=370&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 370w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:0;padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-style-default is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-8cf370e7 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\"><strong>Roy<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-container-content-9cfa9a5a\">The state of Texas does not have to surrender to judicial activism. I will respect and promote the rule of law, but that includes standing up to courts that overstep their constitutional authority. If a court issues a ruling I believe is unconstitutional, I will aggressively pursue appeals and work to overcome it through all means appropriate under the Constitution.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"background-color:#e9efe4;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);flex-basis:100%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-normal-font-size\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:0;padding-bottom:0;padding-left:0\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-c6b4b7cd wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-style-default is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-top is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:0;padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);flex-basis:150px\"><div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-rounded\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"800\" data-attachment-id=\"217898\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.texastribune.org\/state-sen-mayes-middleton-r-galveston\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?fit=800%2C800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"800,800\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta='{\"aperture\":\"0\",\"credit\":\"Campaign photo\",\"camera\":\"\",\"caption\":\"State Sen. Mayes Middleton, R-Galveston.\",\"created_timestamp\":\"1769447033\",\"copyright\":\"\",\"focal_length\":\"0\",\"iso\":\"0\",\"shutter_speed\":\"0\",\"title\":\"State Sen. Mayes Middleton, R-Galveston.\",\"orientation\":\"0\"}' data-image-title=\"State Sen. Mayes Middleton, R-Galveston.\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;State Sen. Mayes Middleton, R-Galveston.&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?fit=300%2C300&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?fit=800%2C800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=800%2C800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-217898\" style=\"width:1500px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?w=800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=300%2C300&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=150%2C150&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=768%2C768&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=600%2C600&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 600w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=400%2C400&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 400w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=200%2C200&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=780%2C780&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 780w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?w=370&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 370w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:0;padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-style-default is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-8cf370e7 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\"><strong>Middleton<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-container-content-9cfa9a5a\">Did not respond to questions. The Texas Tribune was unable to find public comments from Middleton on this issue.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\" id=\"enforcing-laws-in-other-states\" style=\"font-size:25px\"><strong><strong><strong><strong>Paxton has pushed to enforce Texas\u2019 restrictions on abortion and gender-affirming care on health care providers in other states. Do you believe Texas\u2019 laws should be enforceable in other states?<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"background-color:#fdf5dd;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);flex-basis:100%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-normal-font-size\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:0;padding-bottom:0;padding-left:0\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-c6b4b7cd wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-style-default is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-top is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:0;padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);flex-basis:150px\"><div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-rounded\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"800\" data-attachment-id=\"217897\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.texastribune.org\/state-sen-joan-huffman-r-houston\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?fit=800%2C800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"800,800\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta='{\"aperture\":\"0\",\"credit\":\"Campaign photo\",\"camera\":\"\",\"caption\":\"State Sen. Joan Huffman, R-Houston.\",\"created_timestamp\":\"1769447033\",\"copyright\":\"\",\"focal_length\":\"0\",\"iso\":\"0\",\"shutter_speed\":\"0\",\"title\":\"State Sen. Joan Huffman, R-Houston.\",\"orientation\":\"0\"}' data-image-title=\"State Sen. Joan Huffman, R-Houston.\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;State Sen. Joan Huffman, R-Houston.&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?fit=300%2C300&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?fit=800%2C800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=800%2C800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-217897\" style=\"width:1500px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?w=800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=300%2C300&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=150%2C150&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=768%2C768&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=600%2C600&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 600w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=400%2C400&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 400w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=200%2C200&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=780%2C780&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 780w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?w=370&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 370w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:0;padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-style-default is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-8cf370e7 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\"><strong>Huffman<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-container-content-9cfa9a5a\">As a Republican committed to states\u2019 rights and federalism, I strongly support Texas\u2019 robust protections for life and our restrictions on certain medical procedures for minors. However, attempting to enforce our laws extraterritorially risks violating the Constitution\u2019s Full Faith and Credit Clause.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\">While I respect Attorney General Paxton\u2019s passion for defending Texas values, such extraterritorial actions have frequently resulted in legal setbacks and heightened tensions with other states, as evidenced by recent dismissals and retaliatory lawsuits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\">If elected, I would prioritize vigorous enforcement within our borders \u2014 for instance, by pursuing more lawsuits against in-state providers who violate bans on gender-affirming care for minors \u2014 while working collaboratively with allied states through amicus briefs and coordinated efforts, rather than pursuing actions beyond Texas\u2019 jurisdiction.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"background-color:#f8ebe8;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);flex-basis:100%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-normal-font-size\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:0;padding-bottom:0;padding-left:0\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-c6b4b7cd wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-style-default is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-top is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:0;padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);flex-basis:150px\"><div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-rounded\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"800\" data-attachment-id=\"217895\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.texastribune.org\/aaron-reiutz\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?fit=800%2C800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"800,800\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta='{\"aperture\":\"0\",\"credit\":\"Campaign photo\",\"camera\":\"\",\"caption\":\"Aaron Reiutz\",\"created_timestamp\":\"1769446980\",\"copyright\":\"\",\"focal_length\":\"0\",\"iso\":\"0\",\"shutter_speed\":\"0\",\"title\":\"Aaron Reiutz\",\"orientation\":\"0\"}' data-image-title=\"Aaron Reiutz\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?fit=300%2C300&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?fit=800%2C800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=800%2C800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-217895\" style=\"width:1500px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?w=800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=300%2C300&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=150%2C150&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=768%2C768&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=600%2C600&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 600w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=400%2C400&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 400w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=200%2C200&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=780%2C780&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 780w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?w=370&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 370w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:0;padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-style-default is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-8cf370e7 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\"><strong>Reitz<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-container-content-9cfa9a5a\">When out-of-state actors intentionally target Texans to violate Texas law, jurisdiction doesn\u2019t magically disappear at the border. If abortion pill distributors, medical providers, or activist networks operate across state lines to circumvent Texas law and harm Texans, Texas has every right to pursue them. States are not required to sit helplessly while their laws are nullified by coordinated interstate schemes.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"background-color:#eaf4f2;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);flex-basis:100%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-normal-font-size\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:0;padding-bottom:0;padding-left:0\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-c6b4b7cd wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-style-default is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-top is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:0;padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);flex-basis:150px\"><div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-rounded\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"800\" data-attachment-id=\"217896\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.texastribune.org\/u-s-rep-chip-roy-d-austin\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?fit=800%2C800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"800,800\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta='{\"aperture\":\"0\",\"credit\":\"Campaign photo\",\"camera\":\"\",\"caption\":\"U.S. Rep. Chip Roy, D- Austin.\",\"created_timestamp\":\"1769447033\",\"copyright\":\"\",\"focal_length\":\"0\",\"iso\":\"0\",\"shutter_speed\":\"0\",\"title\":\"U.S. Rep. Chip Roy, D- Austin.\",\"orientation\":\"0\"}' data-image-title=\"U.S. Rep. Chip Roy, D- Austin.\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;U.S. Rep. Chip Roy, D- Austin.&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?fit=300%2C300&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?fit=800%2C800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=800%2C800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-217896\" style=\"width:1500px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?w=800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=300%2C300&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=150%2C150&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=768%2C768&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=600%2C600&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 600w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=400%2C400&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 400w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=200%2C200&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=780%2C780&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 780w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?w=370&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 370w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:0;padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-style-default is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-8cf370e7 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\"><strong>Roy<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-container-content-9cfa9a5a\">Texas law will be enforced. No corporation or organization hiding behind blue-state politics while operating in Texas will get a free pass to violate our laws or endanger Texans.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"background-color:#e9efe4;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);flex-basis:100%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-normal-font-size\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:0;padding-bottom:0;padding-left:0\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-c6b4b7cd wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-style-default is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-top is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:0;padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);flex-basis:150px\"><div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-rounded\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"800\" data-attachment-id=\"217898\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.texastribune.org\/state-sen-mayes-middleton-r-galveston\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?fit=800%2C800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"800,800\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta='{\"aperture\":\"0\",\"credit\":\"Campaign photo\",\"camera\":\"\",\"caption\":\"State Sen. Mayes Middleton, R-Galveston.\",\"created_timestamp\":\"1769447033\",\"copyright\":\"\",\"focal_length\":\"0\",\"iso\":\"0\",\"shutter_speed\":\"0\",\"title\":\"State Sen. Mayes Middleton, R-Galveston.\",\"orientation\":\"0\"}' data-image-title=\"State Sen. Mayes Middleton, R-Galveston.\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;State Sen. Mayes Middleton, R-Galveston.&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?fit=300%2C300&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?fit=800%2C800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=800%2C800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-217898\" style=\"width:1500px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?w=800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=300%2C300&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=150%2C150&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=768%2C768&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=600%2C600&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 600w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=400%2C400&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 400w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=200%2C200&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=780%2C780&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 780w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?w=370&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 370w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:0;padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-style-default is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-8cf370e7 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\"><strong>Middleton<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-container-content-9cfa9a5a\">Did not respond to questions. The Texas Tribune was unable to find public comments from Middleton on this issue.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\" id=\"suing-big-business\" style=\"font-size:25px\"><strong><strong><strong><strong>Paxton has sued numerous private companies, ranging from Big Tech firms to airplane manufacturers and clothing brands. Do you agree Texas\u2019 attorney general should make suing big business a top priority?<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"background-color:#fdf5dd;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);flex-basis:100%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-normal-font-size\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:0;padding-bottom:0;padding-left:0\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-c6b4b7cd wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-style-default is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-top is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:0;padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);flex-basis:150px\"><div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-rounded\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"800\" data-attachment-id=\"217897\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.texastribune.org\/state-sen-joan-huffman-r-houston\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?fit=800%2C800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"800,800\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta='{\"aperture\":\"0\",\"credit\":\"Campaign photo\",\"camera\":\"\",\"caption\":\"State Sen. Joan Huffman, R-Houston.\",\"created_timestamp\":\"1769447033\",\"copyright\":\"\",\"focal_length\":\"0\",\"iso\":\"0\",\"shutter_speed\":\"0\",\"title\":\"State Sen. Joan Huffman, R-Houston.\",\"orientation\":\"0\"}' data-image-title=\"State Sen. Joan Huffman, R-Houston.\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;State Sen. Joan Huffman, R-Houston.&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?fit=300%2C300&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?fit=800%2C800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=800%2C800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-217897\" style=\"width:1500px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?w=800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=300%2C300&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=150%2C150&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=768%2C768&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=600%2C600&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 600w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=400%2C400&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 400w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=200%2C200&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=780%2C780&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 780w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?w=370&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 370w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:0;padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-style-default is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-8cf370e7 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\"><strong>Huffman<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-container-content-9cfa9a5a\">I believe that holding major corporations accountable through litigation should remain a priority for the Texas attorney general when they violate state laws, harm consumers, or engage in practices that undermine core conservative principles \u2014 such as free speech, fair competition, and ethical labor standards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-container-content-9cfa9a5a\">However, these efforts must be pursued judiciously to avoid any perception of being anti-business. Texas\u2019 economy thrives on pro-growth policies, and my approach would protect that environment while ensuring corporations are held fully accountable for wrongdoing.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"background-color:#f8ebe8;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);flex-basis:100%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-normal-font-size\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:0;padding-bottom:0;padding-left:0\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-c6b4b7cd wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-style-default is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-top is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:0;padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);flex-basis:150px\"><div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-rounded\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"800\" data-attachment-id=\"217895\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.texastribune.org\/aaron-reiutz\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?fit=800%2C800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"800,800\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta='{\"aperture\":\"0\",\"credit\":\"Campaign photo\",\"camera\":\"\",\"caption\":\"Aaron Reiutz\",\"created_timestamp\":\"1769446980\",\"copyright\":\"\",\"focal_length\":\"0\",\"iso\":\"0\",\"shutter_speed\":\"0\",\"title\":\"Aaron Reiutz\",\"orientation\":\"0\"}' data-image-title=\"Aaron Reiutz\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?fit=300%2C300&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?fit=800%2C800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=800%2C800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-217895\" style=\"width:1500px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?w=800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=300%2C300&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=150%2C150&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=768%2C768&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=600%2C600&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 600w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=400%2C400&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 400w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=200%2C200&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=780%2C780&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 780w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?w=370&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 370w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:0;padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-style-default is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-8cf370e7 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\"><strong>Reitz<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-container-content-9cfa9a5a\">If \u201cbig business\u201d breaks the law, harms Texans, or engages in fraud or deception, then yes, they should expect to be sued. Big Tech, Big Pharma, Big Banks, Big Med \u2014 they don\u2019t get immunity because they\u2019re wealthy, politically connected, or fashionable in elite circles. I helped lead many of these fights as deputy AG, and I\u2019m proud of it.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"background-color:#eaf4f2;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);flex-basis:100%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-normal-font-size\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:0;padding-bottom:0;padding-left:0\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-c6b4b7cd wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-style-default is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-top is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:0;padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);flex-basis:150px\"><div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-rounded\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"800\" data-attachment-id=\"217896\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.texastribune.org\/u-s-rep-chip-roy-d-austin\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?fit=800%2C800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"800,800\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta='{\"aperture\":\"0\",\"credit\":\"Campaign photo\",\"camera\":\"\",\"caption\":\"U.S. Rep. Chip Roy, D- Austin.\",\"created_timestamp\":\"1769447033\",\"copyright\":\"\",\"focal_length\":\"0\",\"iso\":\"0\",\"shutter_speed\":\"0\",\"title\":\"U.S. Rep. Chip Roy, D- Austin.\",\"orientation\":\"0\"}' data-image-title=\"U.S. Rep. Chip Roy, D- Austin.\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;U.S. Rep. Chip Roy, D- Austin.&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?fit=300%2C300&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?fit=800%2C800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=800%2C800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-217896\" style=\"width:1500px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?w=800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=300%2C300&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=150%2C150&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=768%2C768&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=600%2C600&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 600w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=400%2C400&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 400w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=200%2C200&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=780%2C780&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 780w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?w=370&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 370w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:0;padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-style-default is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-8cf370e7 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\"><strong>Roy<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-container-content-9cfa9a5a\">This is a major priority of my campaign. When large corporations act as crony extensions of government or foreign interests, the attorney general must step in.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"background-color:#e9efe4;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);flex-basis:100%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-normal-font-size\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:0;padding-bottom:0;padding-left:0\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-c6b4b7cd wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-style-default is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-top is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:0;padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);flex-basis:150px\"><div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-rounded\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"800\" data-attachment-id=\"217898\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.texastribune.org\/state-sen-mayes-middleton-r-galveston\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?fit=800%2C800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"800,800\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta='{\"aperture\":\"0\",\"credit\":\"Campaign photo\",\"camera\":\"\",\"caption\":\"State Sen. Mayes Middleton, R-Galveston.\",\"created_timestamp\":\"1769447033\",\"copyright\":\"\",\"focal_length\":\"0\",\"iso\":\"0\",\"shutter_speed\":\"0\",\"title\":\"State Sen. Mayes Middleton, R-Galveston.\",\"orientation\":\"0\"}' data-image-title=\"State Sen. Mayes Middleton, R-Galveston.\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;State Sen. Mayes Middleton, R-Galveston.&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?fit=300%2C300&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?fit=800%2C800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=800%2C800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-217898\" style=\"width:1500px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?w=800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=300%2C300&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=150%2C150&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=768%2C768&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=600%2C600&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 600w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=400%2C400&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 400w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=200%2C200&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=780%2C780&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 780w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?w=370&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 370w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:0;padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-style-default is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-8cf370e7 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\"><strong>Middleton<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-container-content-9cfa9a5a\">Did not respond to questions. Middleton has authored or voted for numerous bills that take aim at major companies, including removing soda, sweetened drinks, and candy from the food stamps program and removing cellphones from classrooms to stop \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/share\/p\/1D6X87jEHV\/\">woke tech companies from trying to harm kids<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\" id=\"election-crimes\" style=\"font-size:25px\"><strong>Last legislative session, lawmakers affirmed the attorney general\u2019s ability to independently prosecute election crimes. Do you believe investigating and bringing criminal election charges should be a top priority for the office?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"background-color:#fdf5dd;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);flex-basis:100%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-normal-font-size\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:0;padding-bottom:0;padding-left:0\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-c6b4b7cd wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-style-default is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-top is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:0;padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);flex-basis:150px\"><div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-rounded\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"800\" data-attachment-id=\"217897\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.texastribune.org\/state-sen-joan-huffman-r-houston\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?fit=800%2C800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"800,800\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta='{\"aperture\":\"0\",\"credit\":\"Campaign photo\",\"camera\":\"\",\"caption\":\"State Sen. Joan Huffman, R-Houston.\",\"created_timestamp\":\"1769447033\",\"copyright\":\"\",\"focal_length\":\"0\",\"iso\":\"0\",\"shutter_speed\":\"0\",\"title\":\"State Sen. Joan Huffman, R-Houston.\",\"orientation\":\"0\"}' data-image-title=\"State Sen. Joan Huffman, R-Houston.\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;State Sen. Joan Huffman, R-Houston.&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?fit=300%2C300&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?fit=800%2C800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=800%2C800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-217897\" style=\"width:1500px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?w=800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=300%2C300&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=150%2C150&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=768%2C768&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=600%2C600&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 600w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=400%2C400&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 400w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=200%2C200&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=780%2C780&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 780w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?w=370&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 370w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:0;padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-style-default is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-8cf370e7 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\"><strong>Huffman<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-container-content-9cfa9a5a\">Yes, absolutely \u2014 investigating and prosecuting election crimes must be a priority of the Texas Attorney General\u2019s office, which is why I joint-authored the bill (SB 12 from the Legislature\u2019s second special session in 2025) to grant the AG this authority. Election integrity is the bedrock of our republic \u2014 without secure and trustworthy elections, public confidence erodes and our democracy is undermined. I would take every allegation seriously and address it promptly, and I would not hesitate to pursue criminal charges whenever the evidence supports doing so.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"background-color:#f8ebe8;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);flex-basis:100%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-normal-font-size\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:0;padding-bottom:0;padding-left:0\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-c6b4b7cd wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-style-default is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-top is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:0;padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);flex-basis:150px\"><div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-rounded\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"800\" data-attachment-id=\"217895\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.texastribune.org\/aaron-reiutz\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?fit=800%2C800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"800,800\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta='{\"aperture\":\"0\",\"credit\":\"Campaign photo\",\"camera\":\"\",\"caption\":\"Aaron Reiutz\",\"created_timestamp\":\"1769446980\",\"copyright\":\"\",\"focal_length\":\"0\",\"iso\":\"0\",\"shutter_speed\":\"0\",\"title\":\"Aaron Reiutz\",\"orientation\":\"0\"}' data-image-title=\"Aaron Reiutz\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?fit=300%2C300&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?fit=800%2C800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=800%2C800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-217895\" style=\"width:1500px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?w=800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=300%2C300&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=150%2C150&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=768%2C768&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=600%2C600&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 600w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=400%2C400&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 400w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=200%2C200&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=780%2C780&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 780w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?w=370&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 370w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:0;padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-style-default is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-8cf370e7 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\"><strong>Reitz<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-container-content-9cfa9a5a\">Election integrity is the foundation of self-government. Investigating and prosecuting election crimes is a top priority of mine, especially where local prosecutors refuse to act for political reasons. I led Texas\u2019s election integrity efforts in the 2020 and 2022 cycles, and I saw firsthand how widespread and organized election misconduct can be. The Court of Criminal Appeals\u2019 attempt to strip the AG of prosecutorial authority in 2021 with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.texastribune.org\/2021\/12\/15\/ken-paxton-election-prosecute-court\/\">its Stephens decision<\/a> was lawless and absurd. The Legislature was right to reverse it. As attorney general, I will aggressively enforce election law.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"background-color:#eaf4f2;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);flex-basis:100%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-normal-font-size\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:0;padding-bottom:0;padding-left:0\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-c6b4b7cd wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-style-default is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-top is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:0;padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);flex-basis:150px\"><div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-rounded\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"800\" data-attachment-id=\"217896\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.texastribune.org\/u-s-rep-chip-roy-d-austin\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?fit=800%2C800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"800,800\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta='{\"aperture\":\"0\",\"credit\":\"Campaign photo\",\"camera\":\"\",\"caption\":\"U.S. Rep. Chip Roy, D- Austin.\",\"created_timestamp\":\"1769447033\",\"copyright\":\"\",\"focal_length\":\"0\",\"iso\":\"0\",\"shutter_speed\":\"0\",\"title\":\"U.S. Rep. Chip Roy, D- Austin.\",\"orientation\":\"0\"}' data-image-title=\"U.S. Rep. Chip Roy, D- Austin.\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;U.S. Rep. Chip Roy, D- Austin.&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?fit=300%2C300&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?fit=800%2C800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=800%2C800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-217896\" style=\"width:1500px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?w=800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=300%2C300&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=150%2C150&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=768%2C768&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=600%2C600&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 600w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=400%2C400&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 400w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=200%2C200&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=780%2C780&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 780w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?w=370&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 370w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:0;padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-style-default is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-8cf370e7 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\"><strong>Roy<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-container-content-9cfa9a5a\">Yes. This should be a core function of the OAG. I supported the Legislature\u2019s efforts this past session. My office will aggressively investigate and prosecute election crimes. Texans deserve to know their elections are secure and legitimate and under my leadership they will.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"background-color:#e9efe4;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);flex-basis:100%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-normal-font-size\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:0;padding-bottom:0;padding-left:0\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-c6b4b7cd wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-style-default is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-top is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:0;padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);flex-basis:150px\"><div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-rounded\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"800\" data-attachment-id=\"217898\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.texastribune.org\/state-sen-mayes-middleton-r-galveston\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?fit=800%2C800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"800,800\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta='{\"aperture\":\"0\",\"credit\":\"Campaign photo\",\"camera\":\"\",\"caption\":\"State Sen. Mayes Middleton, R-Galveston.\",\"created_timestamp\":\"1769447033\",\"copyright\":\"\",\"focal_length\":\"0\",\"iso\":\"0\",\"shutter_speed\":\"0\",\"title\":\"State Sen. Mayes Middleton, R-Galveston.\",\"orientation\":\"0\"}' data-image-title=\"State Sen. Mayes Middleton, R-Galveston.\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;State Sen. Mayes Middleton, R-Galveston.&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?fit=300%2C300&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?fit=800%2C800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=800%2C800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-217898\" style=\"width:1500px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?w=800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=300%2C300&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=150%2C150&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=768%2C768&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=600%2C600&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 600w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=400%2C400&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 400w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=200%2C200&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=780%2C780&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 780w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?w=370&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 370w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:0;padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-style-default is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-8cf370e7 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\"><strong>Middleton<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-container-content-9cfa9a5a\">Did not respond to questions. Middleton has said election integrity is a top priority, and points to his role in passing legislation that allows the attorney general\u2019s office to pursue election fraud cases without waiting for invitation by a local prosecutor. He has promised to create an election integrity division within the attorney general\u2019s office with broad law enforcement power to investigate allegations of voter fraud.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\" id=\"prosecutorial-authority\" style=\"font-size:25px\"><strong><strong><strong><strong>Do you believe the attorney general\u2019s office should be given more independent criminal prosecutorial authority?<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"background-color:#fdf5dd;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);flex-basis:100%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-normal-font-size\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:0;padding-bottom:0;padding-left:0\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-c6b4b7cd wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-style-default is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-top is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:0;padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);flex-basis:150px\"><div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-rounded\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"800\" data-attachment-id=\"217897\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.texastribune.org\/state-sen-joan-huffman-r-houston\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?fit=800%2C800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"800,800\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta='{\"aperture\":\"0\",\"credit\":\"Campaign photo\",\"camera\":\"\",\"caption\":\"State Sen. Joan Huffman, R-Houston.\",\"created_timestamp\":\"1769447033\",\"copyright\":\"\",\"focal_length\":\"0\",\"iso\":\"0\",\"shutter_speed\":\"0\",\"title\":\"State Sen. Joan Huffman, R-Houston.\",\"orientation\":\"0\"}' data-image-title=\"State Sen. Joan Huffman, R-Houston.\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;State Sen. Joan Huffman, R-Houston.&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?fit=300%2C300&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?fit=800%2C800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=800%2C800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-217897\" style=\"width:1500px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?w=800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=300%2C300&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=150%2C150&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=768%2C768&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=600%2C600&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 600w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=400%2C400&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 400w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=200%2C200&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=780%2C780&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 780w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Joan-Huffman-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?w=370&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 370w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:0;padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-style-default is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-8cf370e7 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\"><strong>Huffman<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-container-content-9cfa9a5a\">I strongly support granting the attorney general broader independent criminal prosecutorial authority to address cases where soft-on-crime prosecutors in major cities have declined to enforce entire categories of crimes or disregarded state laws they oppose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\">In those situations, the attorney general must have clear statutory authority to step in and prosecute those cases directly \u2014 without needing permission from a non-compliant local prosecutor \u2014 so that no Texan is left unprotected and no victim\u2019s cry for justice goes unanswered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-container-content-9cfa9a5a\">At the same time, I recognize that the overwhelming majority of our district attorneys across Texas are dedicated public servants who faithfully uphold the law every day. As a former prosecutor and criminal district court judge, I have a deep understanding of our criminal justice system and relevant experience that my opponents simply do not have. My approach would emphasize partnership over confrontation, unless confrontation is warranted.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"background-color:#f8ebe8;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);flex-basis:100%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-normal-font-size\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:0;padding-bottom:0;padding-left:0\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-c6b4b7cd wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-style-default is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-top is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:0;padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);flex-basis:150px\"><div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-rounded\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"800\" data-attachment-id=\"217895\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.texastribune.org\/aaron-reiutz\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?fit=800%2C800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"800,800\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta='{\"aperture\":\"0\",\"credit\":\"Campaign photo\",\"camera\":\"\",\"caption\":\"Aaron Reiutz\",\"created_timestamp\":\"1769446980\",\"copyright\":\"\",\"focal_length\":\"0\",\"iso\":\"0\",\"shutter_speed\":\"0\",\"title\":\"Aaron Reiutz\",\"orientation\":\"0\"}' data-image-title=\"Aaron Reiutz\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?fit=300%2C300&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?fit=800%2C800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=800%2C800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-217895\" style=\"width:1500px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?w=800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=300%2C300&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=150%2C150&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=768%2C768&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=600%2C600&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 600w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=400%2C400&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 400w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=200%2C200&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=780%2C780&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 780w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Aaron-reitz-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?w=370&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 370w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:0;padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-style-default is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-8cf370e7 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\"><strong>Reitz<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-container-content-9cfa9a5a\">Absolutely. When radical prosecutors in blue cities and counties openly refuse to enforce state law, they create lawless zones that endanger public safety and undermine democracy itself. Texas cannot allow a patchwork justice system where the law applies in red counties but not blue ones. Expanding the AG\u2019s independent criminal authority is necessary to restore uniform enforcement and impose order where Democrats have allowed chaos to take root.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"background-color:#eaf4f2;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);flex-basis:100%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-normal-font-size\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:0;padding-bottom:0;padding-left:0\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-c6b4b7cd wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-style-default is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-top is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:0;padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);flex-basis:150px\"><div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-rounded\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"800\" data-attachment-id=\"217896\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.texastribune.org\/u-s-rep-chip-roy-d-austin\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?fit=800%2C800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"800,800\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta='{\"aperture\":\"0\",\"credit\":\"Campaign photo\",\"camera\":\"\",\"caption\":\"U.S. Rep. Chip Roy, D- Austin.\",\"created_timestamp\":\"1769447033\",\"copyright\":\"\",\"focal_length\":\"0\",\"iso\":\"0\",\"shutter_speed\":\"0\",\"title\":\"U.S. Rep. Chip Roy, D- Austin.\",\"orientation\":\"0\"}' data-image-title=\"U.S. Rep. Chip Roy, D- Austin.\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;U.S. Rep. Chip Roy, D- Austin.&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?fit=300%2C300&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?fit=800%2C800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=800%2C800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-217896\" style=\"width:1500px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?w=800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=300%2C300&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=150%2C150&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=768%2C768&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=600%2C600&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 600w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=400%2C400&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 400w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=200%2C200&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=780%2C780&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 780w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Chip-Roy-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?w=370&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 370w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:0;padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-style-default is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-8cf370e7 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\"><strong>Roy<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-container-content-9cfa9a5a\">Yes. I will pursue greater prosecutorial authority to enforce state law when failed district attorneys refuse to do their jobs. Texas law must and will be enforced in every county.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"background-color:#e9efe4;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);flex-basis:100%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-normal-font-size\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:0;padding-bottom:0;padding-left:0\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-c6b4b7cd wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-style-default is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-top is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:0;padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);flex-basis:150px\"><div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-rounded\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"800\" data-attachment-id=\"217898\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.texastribune.org\/state-sen-mayes-middleton-r-galveston\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?fit=800%2C800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"800,800\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta='{\"aperture\":\"0\",\"credit\":\"Campaign photo\",\"camera\":\"\",\"caption\":\"State Sen. Mayes Middleton, R-Galveston.\",\"created_timestamp\":\"1769447033\",\"copyright\":\"\",\"focal_length\":\"0\",\"iso\":\"0\",\"shutter_speed\":\"0\",\"title\":\"State Sen. Mayes Middleton, R-Galveston.\",\"orientation\":\"0\"}' data-image-title=\"State Sen. Mayes Middleton, R-Galveston.\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;State Sen. Mayes Middleton, R-Galveston.&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?fit=300%2C300&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?fit=800%2C800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=800%2C800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-217898\" style=\"width:1500px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?w=800&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=300%2C300&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=150%2C150&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=768%2C768&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=600%2C600&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 600w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=400%2C400&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 400w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=200%2C200&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?resize=780%2C780&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 780w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AG-Mayes-Middleton-Campaign-Voter-Guide-1.jpg?w=370&amp;quality=89&amp;ssl=1 370w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:0;padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-style-default is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-8cf370e7 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size\"><strong>Middleton<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-container-content-9cfa9a5a\">Did not respond to questions. Middleton has said he wants to see district attorneys removed from office if they do not fully prosecute certain crimes. He has also said he would investigate Democratic megadonor George Soros, who has donated to left-leaning district attorneys and judges.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Disclosure: New York Times has been a financial supporter of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribune\u2019s journalism. Find a complete <a href=\"https:\/\/www.texastribune.org\/support-us\/corporate-sponsors\/\">list of them here<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group prompt-membership-text\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-8cf370e7 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p style=\"font-size:24px\"><strong>Texans need the truth. Help us report it.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Independent Texas reporting needs your support. The Texas Tribune delivers fact-based journalism for Texans, by Texans \u2014 and our community of members, the readers who donate, make our work possible, Help us bring you and millions of others in-depth news and information. Will you support our nonprofit newsroom with a donation of any amount?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-style-border is-vertical is-content-justification-stretch is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-b16ad781 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:70%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-8cf370e7 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:15px;letter-spacing:0.035em;text-transform:uppercase\">Support Independent Texas News<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-normal-font-size\">Become a member. Join today.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"font-sansserif\" style=\"font-size:15px\">Choose an amount or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.texastribune.org\/about\/#texastribune-membership\">learn more about membership<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:30%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-50 is-style-fill\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-dark-gray-color has-primary-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/support.texastribune.org\/donate?utm_medium=site&amp;utm_source=EOACTA&amp;installmentPeriod=monthly&amp;campaignId=701Pe00000PCH0KIAX&amp;amount=18#join-today\" style=\"border-radius:69px;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);font-size:13px\">$18<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-50 is-style-fill\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-dark-gray-color has-primary-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/support.texastribune.org\/donate?utm_medium=site&amp;utm_source=EOACTA&amp;installmentPeriod=monthly&amp;campaignId=701Pe00000PCHDCIA5&amp;amount=20#join-today\" style=\"border-radius:69px;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);font-size:13px\">$20<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-50 is-style-fill\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-dark-gray-color has-primary-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/support.texastribune.org\/donate?utm_medium=site&amp;utm_source=EOACTA&amp;installmentPeriod=monthly&amp;campaignId=701Pe00000PCOTBIA5&amp;amount=25#join-today\" style=\"border-radius:69px;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);font-size:13px\">$25<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-50 is-style-outline is-style-outline--5\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-primary-color has-text-color has-link-color has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/support.texastribune.org\/donate?utm_medium=site&amp;utm_source=EOACTA&amp;installmentPeriod=yearly&amp;campaignId=701Pe00000PCOszIAH&amp;amount=18#join-today\" style=\"border-radius:69px;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);font-size:13px\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-dark-gray-color\">Other<\/mark><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:70%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-100\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-dark-gray-color has-primary-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/support.texastribune.org\/donate?utm_medium=site&amp;utm_source=EOACTA&amp;installmentPeriod=yearly&amp;amount=200&amp;campaignId=7016f000002GvLdAAK\">Donate Now<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:25%\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Texas\u2019 next top lawyer will inherit an office that has become the tip of the spear of the conservative legal movement. To help primary voters differentiate, we asked the four GOP candidates where they stand on the agency\u2019s major issues.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1038,"featured_media":218241,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"single-feature.php","format":"standard","meta":{"everlit_article_id":"artl_nP9zWignjbQ","everlit_hide_embed":false,"everlit_embed_size":"large","everlit_generation_settings":{"embed_ui_cover_art":false,"embed_ui_title_intro":"Listen to this article","embed_ui_title_icon":"headphones","primary_voice":"281","guest_voice":"281","default_publication":"pblc_PVW312Hm3Ba","default_conversation_mode":false,"default_sonic_optimization":false,"optimizer_level":2,"default_read_alt_text":false,"default_read_urls":false,"default_skip_article_image":false,"intro_mixable":339,"outro_mixable":86,"intro_duration":15,"outro_duration":0,"intro_padding":3,"outro_padding":0,"disable_music":false},"_everlit_article_id":"","_everlit_hide_embed":false,"_everlit_embed_size":"","_everlit_generation_settings":[],"_everlit_content_hash":"d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e","_everlit_metadata_hash":"baad8b258f1a0c1eb5b8bc0e0258cc5f","newspack_ads_suppress_ads":false,"newspack_popups_has_disabled_popups":false,"newspack_sponsor_sponsorship_scope":"","newspack_sponsor_native_byline_display":"inherit","newspack_sponsor_native_category_display":"inherit","newspack_sponsor_underwriter_style":"inherit","newspack_sponsor_underwriter_placement":"inherit","apple_news_api_created_at":"","apple_news_api_id":"","apple_news_api_modified_at":"","apple_news_api_revision":"","apple_news_api_share_url":"","apple_news_cover_media_provider":"image","apple_news_coverimage":0,"apple_news_coverimage_caption":"","apple_news_cover_video_id":0,"apple_news_cover_video_url":"","apple_news_cover_embedwebvideo_url":"","apple_news_is_hidden":"","apple_news_is_paid":"","apple_news_is_preview":"","apple_news_is_sponsored":"","apple_news_maturity_rating":"","apple_news_metadata":"\"\"","apple_news_pullquote":"","apple_news_pullquote_position":"","apple_news_slug":"","apple_news_sections":[],"apple_news_suppress_video_url":false,"apple_news_use_image_component":false,"_newspack_byline_active":false,"_newspack_byline":"","newspack_content_restriction_is_exempt":false,"_photon_skip_featured_image":false,"_photon_quality_featured_image":0,"manual_modified_date":"2026-01-29 05:00:00","newspack_featured_image_position":"","newspack_post_subtitle":"","newspack_article_summary_title":"Overview:","newspack_article_summary":"","newspack_hide_updated_date":false,"newspack_show_updated_date":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"_wpas_customize_per_network":false,"_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[23],"tags":[3843,4374,1799,1777,1922,1793,3796,4209],"newspack_spnsrs_tax":[],"tt_series":[1679,161],"coauthors":[1222],"class_list":["post-217973","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-state-government","tag-2026-elections","tag-2026-primary-explainer","tag-attorney-generals-office","tag-elections","tag-joan-huffman","tag-ken-paxton","tag-mayes-middleton","tag-politics","tt_series-texas-2026-election-voting","tt_series-guides","entry"],"apple_news_notices":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.3 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Q&amp;A: 2026 Republican candidates for Texas attorney general<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Texas\u2019 next top lawyer will inherit an office that has become the tip of the spear of the conservative legal movement. To help primary voters differentiate, we asked the four GOP candidates where they stand on the agency\u2019s major issues.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.texastribune.org\/2026\/01\/29\/on-the-issues-qa-with-the-republicans-running-for-texas-attorney-general\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Q&amp;A: 2026 Republican candidates for Texas attorney general\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Texas\u2019 next top lawyer will inherit an office that has become the tip of the spear of the conservative legal movement. To help primary voters differentiate, we asked the four GOP candidates where they stand on the agency\u2019s major issues.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.texastribune.org\/2026\/01\/29\/on-the-issues-qa-with-the-republicans-running-for-texas-attorney-general\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"The Texas Tribune\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-01-29T11:00:00+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/TTE-Share-AG-GOP.jpg?quality=89&w=1200&h=630&ssl=1\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1200\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"630\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Eleanor Klibanoff\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@eklib\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Eleanor Klibanoff\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"24 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.texastribune.org\\\/2026\\\/01\\\/29\\\/on-the-issues-qa-with-the-republicans-running-for-texas-attorney-general\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.texastribune.org\\\/2026\\\/01\\\/29\\\/on-the-issues-qa-with-the-republicans-running-for-texas-attorney-general\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Eleanor Klibanoff\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.texastribune.org\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/5be95131b67cda818646fd4ed634558e\"},\"headline\":\"On the issues: Q&amp;A with the Republicans running for Texas attorney general\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-01-29T11:00:00+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.texastribune.org\\\/2026\\\/01\\\/29\\\/on-the-issues-qa-with-the-republicans-running-for-texas-attorney-general\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":3578,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.texastribune.org\\\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.texastribune.org\\\/2026\\\/01\\\/29\\\/on-the-issues-qa-with-the-republicans-running-for-texas-attorney-general\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/i0.wp.com\\\/www.texastribune.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/01\\\/TTE-LeadArt-AG-GOPA.jpg?fit=2560%2C1706&quality=89&ssl=1\",\"keywords\":[\"2026 elections\",\"2026 primary explainer\",\"Attorney General's Office\",\"elections\",\"Joan Huffman\",\"Ken Paxton\",\"Mayes Middleton\",\"politics\"],\"articleSection\":[\"State Government\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.texastribune.org\\\/2026\\\/01\\\/29\\\/on-the-issues-qa-with-the-republicans-running-for-texas-attorney-general\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.texastribune.org\\\/2026\\\/01\\\/29\\\/on-the-issues-qa-with-the-republicans-running-for-texas-attorney-general\\\/\",\"name\":\"Q&A: 2026 Republican candidates for Texas attorney general\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.texastribune.org\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.texastribune.org\\\/2026\\\/01\\\/29\\\/on-the-issues-qa-with-the-republicans-running-for-texas-attorney-general\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.texastribune.org\\\/2026\\\/01\\\/29\\\/on-the-issues-qa-with-the-republicans-running-for-texas-attorney-general\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/i0.wp.com\\\/www.texastribune.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/01\\\/TTE-LeadArt-AG-GOPA.jpg?fit=2560%2C1706&quality=89&ssl=1\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-01-29T11:00:00+00:00\",\"description\":\"Texas\u2019 next top lawyer will inherit an office that has become the tip of the spear of the conservative legal movement. To help primary voters differentiate, we asked the four GOP candidates where they stand on the agency\u2019s major issues.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.texastribune.org\\\/2026\\\/01\\\/29\\\/on-the-issues-qa-with-the-republicans-running-for-texas-attorney-general\\\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.texastribune.org\\\/2026\\\/01\\\/29\\\/on-the-issues-qa-with-the-republicans-running-for-texas-attorney-general\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.texastribune.org\\\/2026\\\/01\\\/29\\\/on-the-issues-qa-with-the-republicans-running-for-texas-attorney-general\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/i0.wp.com\\\/www.texastribune.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/01\\\/TTE-LeadArt-AG-GOPA.jpg?fit=2560%2C1706&quality=89&ssl=1\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/i0.wp.com\\\/www.texastribune.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/01\\\/TTE-LeadArt-AG-GOPA.jpg?fit=2560%2C1706&quality=89&ssl=1\",\"width\":2560,\"height\":1706,\"caption\":\"From left: Joan Huffman, Mayes Middleton, Aaron Reitz and Chip Roy, Republican Candidates for Texas attorney general.\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.texastribune.org\\\/2026\\\/01\\\/29\\\/on-the-issues-qa-with-the-republicans-running-for-texas-attorney-general\\\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.texastribune.org\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"On the issues: Q&amp;A with the Republicans running for Texas attorney general\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.texastribune.org\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.texastribune.org\\\/\",\"name\":\"The Texas Tribune\",\"description\":\"Independent news. Trusted by Texans.\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.texastribune.org\\\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.texastribune.org\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.texastribune.org\\\/#organization\",\"name\":\"The Texas Tribune\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.texastribune.org\\\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.texastribune.org\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/i0.wp.com\\\/www.texastribune.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/09\\\/TexasTribuneLogo_horizontal-color.png?fit=1362%2C153&quality=80&ssl=1\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/i0.wp.com\\\/www.texastribune.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/09\\\/TexasTribuneLogo_horizontal-color.png?fit=1362%2C153&quality=80&ssl=1\",\"width\":1362,\"height\":153,\"caption\":\"The Texas Tribune\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.texastribune.org\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\"}},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.texastribune.org\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/5be95131b67cda818646fd4ed634558e\",\"name\":\"Eleanor Klibanoff\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.texastribune.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/01\\\/Eleanor-Klibanoff-NP-Update-96x96.jpg6d9609490e2c10ec12c247bf226c18b6\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.texastribune.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/01\\\/Eleanor-Klibanoff-NP-Update-96x96.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.texastribune.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/01\\\/Eleanor-Klibanoff-NP-Update-96x96.jpg\",\"caption\":\"Eleanor Klibanoff\"},\"description\":\"Eleanor Klibanoff is the law and politics reporter, based in Austin, where she covers the the Texas Legislature, the Office of the Attorney General, state and federal courts and politics writ large. She also co-hosts the weekly politics podcast, TribCast. Eleanor previously spent three years as the Tribune\u2019s women\u2019s health reporter, covering abortion, maternal health and LGBTQ issues. Before coming to Texas, Eleanor worked for the Kentucky Center for Investigative Reporting, where she reported, hosted and produced the Peabody-nominated podcast, \u201cDig.\u201d Eleanor was born in Philadelphia and raised in Atlanta, and attended The George Washington University in Washington, D.C.\",\"sameAs\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/x.com\\\/eklib\"],\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.texastribune.org\\\/author\\\/eleanor-klibanoff\\\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Q&A: 2026 Republican candidates for Texas attorney general","description":"Texas\u2019 next top lawyer will inherit an office that has become the tip of the spear of the conservative legal movement. To help primary voters differentiate, we asked the four GOP candidates where they stand on the agency\u2019s major issues.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.texastribune.org\/2026\/01\/29\/on-the-issues-qa-with-the-republicans-running-for-texas-attorney-general\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Q&A: 2026 Republican candidates for Texas attorney general","og_description":"Texas\u2019 next top lawyer will inherit an office that has become the tip of the spear of the conservative legal movement. To help primary voters differentiate, we asked the four GOP candidates where they stand on the agency\u2019s major issues.","og_url":"https:\/\/www.texastribune.org\/2026\/01\/29\/on-the-issues-qa-with-the-republicans-running-for-texas-attorney-general\/","og_site_name":"The Texas Tribune","article_published_time":"2026-01-29T11:00:00+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1200,"height":630,"url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/TTE-Share-AG-GOP.jpg?quality=89&w=1200&h=630&ssl=1","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"Eleanor Klibanoff","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_creator":"@eklib","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Eleanor Klibanoff","Est. reading time":"24 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/www.texastribune.org\/2026\/01\/29\/on-the-issues-qa-with-the-republicans-running-for-texas-attorney-general\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.texastribune.org\/2026\/01\/29\/on-the-issues-qa-with-the-republicans-running-for-texas-attorney-general\/"},"author":{"name":"Eleanor Klibanoff","@id":"https:\/\/www.texastribune.org\/#\/schema\/person\/5be95131b67cda818646fd4ed634558e"},"headline":"On the issues: Q&amp;A with the Republicans running for Texas attorney general","datePublished":"2026-01-29T11:00:00+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.texastribune.org\/2026\/01\/29\/on-the-issues-qa-with-the-republicans-running-for-texas-attorney-general\/"},"wordCount":3578,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.texastribune.org\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.texastribune.org\/2026\/01\/29\/on-the-issues-qa-with-the-republicans-running-for-texas-attorney-general\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/TTE-LeadArt-AG-GOPA.jpg?fit=2560%2C1706&quality=89&ssl=1","keywords":["2026 elections","2026 primary explainer","Attorney General's Office","elections","Joan Huffman","Ken Paxton","Mayes Middleton","politics"],"articleSection":["State Government"],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.texastribune.org\/2026\/01\/29\/on-the-issues-qa-with-the-republicans-running-for-texas-attorney-general\/","url":"https:\/\/www.texastribune.org\/2026\/01\/29\/on-the-issues-qa-with-the-republicans-running-for-texas-attorney-general\/","name":"Q&A: 2026 Republican candidates for Texas attorney general","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.texastribune.org\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.texastribune.org\/2026\/01\/29\/on-the-issues-qa-with-the-republicans-running-for-texas-attorney-general\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.texastribune.org\/2026\/01\/29\/on-the-issues-qa-with-the-republicans-running-for-texas-attorney-general\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/TTE-LeadArt-AG-GOPA.jpg?fit=2560%2C1706&quality=89&ssl=1","datePublished":"2026-01-29T11:00:00+00:00","description":"Texas\u2019 next top lawyer will inherit an office that has become the tip of the spear of the conservative legal movement. To help primary voters differentiate, we asked the four GOP candidates where they stand on the agency\u2019s major issues.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.texastribune.org\/2026\/01\/29\/on-the-issues-qa-with-the-republicans-running-for-texas-attorney-general\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.texastribune.org\/2026\/01\/29\/on-the-issues-qa-with-the-republicans-running-for-texas-attorney-general\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.texastribune.org\/2026\/01\/29\/on-the-issues-qa-with-the-republicans-running-for-texas-attorney-general\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/TTE-LeadArt-AG-GOPA.jpg?fit=2560%2C1706&quality=89&ssl=1","contentUrl":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/TTE-LeadArt-AG-GOPA.jpg?fit=2560%2C1706&quality=89&ssl=1","width":2560,"height":1706,"caption":"From left: Joan Huffman, Mayes Middleton, Aaron Reitz and Chip Roy, Republican Candidates for Texas attorney general."},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.texastribune.org\/2026\/01\/29\/on-the-issues-qa-with-the-republicans-running-for-texas-attorney-general\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/www.texastribune.org\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"On the issues: Q&amp;A with the Republicans running for Texas attorney general"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.texastribune.org\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.texastribune.org\/","name":"The Texas Tribune","description":"Independent news. Trusted by Texans.","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.texastribune.org\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.texastribune.org\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.texastribune.org\/#organization","name":"The Texas Tribune","url":"https:\/\/www.texastribune.org\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.texastribune.org\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/TexasTribuneLogo_horizontal-color.png?fit=1362%2C153&quality=80&ssl=1","contentUrl":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/TexasTribuneLogo_horizontal-color.png?fit=1362%2C153&quality=80&ssl=1","width":1362,"height":153,"caption":"The Texas Tribune"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.texastribune.org\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"}},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.texastribune.org\/#\/schema\/person\/5be95131b67cda818646fd4ed634558e","name":"Eleanor Klibanoff","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Eleanor-Klibanoff-NP-Update-96x96.jpg6d9609490e2c10ec12c247bf226c18b6","url":"https:\/\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Eleanor-Klibanoff-NP-Update-96x96.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Eleanor-Klibanoff-NP-Update-96x96.jpg","caption":"Eleanor Klibanoff"},"description":"Eleanor Klibanoff is the law and politics reporter, based in Austin, where she covers the the Texas Legislature, the Office of the Attorney General, state and federal courts and politics writ large. She also co-hosts the weekly politics podcast, TribCast. Eleanor previously spent three years as the Tribune\u2019s women\u2019s health reporter, covering abortion, maternal health and LGBTQ issues. Before coming to Texas, Eleanor worked for the Kentucky Center for Investigative Reporting, where she reported, hosted and produced the Peabody-nominated podcast, \u201cDig.\u201d Eleanor was born in Philadelphia and raised in Atlanta, and attended The George Washington University in Washington, D.C.","sameAs":["https:\/\/x.com\/eklib"],"url":"https:\/\/www.texastribune.org\/author\/eleanor-klibanoff\/"}]}},"parsely":{"version":"1.1.0","canonical_url":"https:\/\/texastribune.org\/2026\/01\/29\/on-the-issues-qa-with-the-republicans-running-for-texas-attorney-general\/","smart_links":{"inbound":0,"outbound":0},"traffic_boost_suggestions_count":0,"meta":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","headline":"On the issues: Q&amp;A with the Republicans running for Texas attorney general","url":"http:\/\/www.texastribune.org\/2026\/01\/29\/on-the-issues-qa-with-the-republicans-running-for-texas-attorney-general\/","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"http:\/\/www.texastribune.org\/2026\/01\/29\/on-the-issues-qa-with-the-republicans-running-for-texas-attorney-general\/"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/TTE-LeadArt-AG-GOPA.jpg?resize=150%2C150&quality=89&ssl=1","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/TTE-LeadArt-AG-GOPA.jpg?fit=2560%2C1706&quality=89&ssl=1"},"articleSection":"State Government","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Eleanor Klibanoff"}],"creator":["Eleanor Klibanoff"],"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"The Texas Tribune","logo":"https:\/\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/TexasTribuneLogo_horizontal-color.png"},"keywords":["2026 elections","2026 primary explainer","attorney general's office","elections","joan huffman","ken paxton","mayes middleton","politics"],"dateCreated":"2026-01-29T11:00:00Z","datePublished":"2026-01-29T11:00:00Z","dateModified":"2026-01-29T11:00:00Z"},"rendered":"<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"wp-parsely-metadata\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"NewsArticle\",\"headline\":\"On the issues: Q&amp;A with the Republicans running for Texas attorney general\",\"url\":\"http:\\\/\\\/www.texastribune.org\\\/2026\\\/01\\\/29\\\/on-the-issues-qa-with-the-republicans-running-for-texas-attorney-general\\\/\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"http:\\\/\\\/www.texastribune.org\\\/2026\\\/01\\\/29\\\/on-the-issues-qa-with-the-republicans-running-for-texas-attorney-general\\\/\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/i0.wp.com\\\/www.texastribune.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/01\\\/TTE-LeadArt-AG-GOPA.jpg?resize=150%2C150&quality=89&ssl=1\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/i0.wp.com\\\/www.texastribune.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/01\\\/TTE-LeadArt-AG-GOPA.jpg?fit=2560%2C1706&quality=89&ssl=1\"},\"articleSection\":\"State Government\",\"author\":[{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"Eleanor Klibanoff\"}],\"creator\":[\"Eleanor Klibanoff\"],\"publisher\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"The Texas Tribune\",\"logo\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.texastribune.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/09\\\/TexasTribuneLogo_horizontal-color.png\"},\"keywords\":[\"2026 elections\",\"2026 primary explainer\",\"attorney general's office\",\"elections\",\"joan huffman\",\"ken paxton\",\"mayes middleton\",\"politics\"],\"dateCreated\":\"2026-01-29T11:00:00Z\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-01-29T11:00:00Z\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-01-29T11:00:00Z\"}<\/script>","tracker_url":"https:\/\/cdn.parsely.com\/keys\/texastribune.org\/p.js"},"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/TTE-LeadArt-AG-GOPA.jpg?fit=2560%2C1706&quality=89&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":199370,"url":"https:\/\/www.texastribune.org\/2025\/10\/31\/texas-attorney-general-tony-box-democratic-primary-2026-2\/","url_meta":{"origin":217973,"position":0},"title":"Dallas attorney Tony Box enters Democratic primary for Texas attorney general","author":"Eleanor Klibanoff","date":"Oct. 31, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Box, a first-time political candidate, is an Army veteran who also worked as an FBI agent and federal prosecutor.","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Politics&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Politics","link":"https:\/\/www.texastribune.org\/topics\/politics\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Tony Box, a Dallas attorney and Army veteran who previously worked as an FBI agent and federal prosecutor, is running in the Democratic primary for Texas attorney general.","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/10302025_Tony-Box-Mug-scaled.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&quality=89&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/10302025_Tony-Box-Mug-scaled.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&quality=89&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/10302025_Tony-Box-Mug-scaled.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&quality=89&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/10302025_Tony-Box-Mug-scaled.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&quality=89&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/10302025_Tony-Box-Mug-scaled.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&quality=89&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":109734,"url":"https:\/\/www.texastribune.org\/2022\/02\/04\/ken-paxton-attorney-general-primary-texas\/","url_meta":{"origin":217973,"position":1},"title":"Watch: Embattled Attorney General Ken Paxton fights for political life in GOP primary","author":"Patrick Svitek","date":"Feb. 4, 2022","format":false,"excerpt":"The attorney general, who has had his own legal problems since his first year in office, is battling three GOP primary challengers: Eva Guzman, George P. Bush and Louie Gohmert.","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Politics&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Politics","link":"https:\/\/www.texastribune.org\/topics\/politics\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Paxton20Edinburg20Presser20MGO20TT2012-scaled.jpg?fit=1200%2C801&quality=89&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Paxton20Edinburg20Presser20MGO20TT2012-scaled.jpg?fit=1200%2C801&quality=89&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Paxton20Edinburg20Presser20MGO20TT2012-scaled.jpg?fit=1200%2C801&quality=89&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Paxton20Edinburg20Presser20MGO20TT2012-scaled.jpg?fit=1200%2C801&quality=89&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Paxton20Edinburg20Presser20MGO20TT2012-scaled.jpg?fit=1200%2C801&quality=89&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":222210,"url":"https:\/\/apps.texastribune.org\/features\/2026\/primary-election-results-2026\/","url_meta":{"origin":217973,"position":2},"title":"Texas primary election results for U.S. Senate, attorney general and more","author":"Chris Essig","date":"March 3, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"Follow The Texas Tribune\u2019s coverage of election results for the 2026 primaries for U.S. Senate, U.S. House, the Texas Legislature and more.","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Politics&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Politics","link":"https:\/\/www.texastribune.org\/topics\/politics\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/ElectionResults-Lead_02-scaled.png?fit=1200%2C800&quality=80&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/ElectionResults-Lead_02-scaled.png?fit=1200%2C800&quality=80&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/ElectionResults-Lead_02-scaled.png?fit=1200%2C800&quality=80&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/ElectionResults-Lead_02-scaled.png?fit=1200%2C800&quality=80&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/ElectionResults-Lead_02-scaled.png?fit=1200%2C800&quality=80&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":133190,"url":"https:\/\/www.texastribune.org\/2025\/04\/15\/mayes-middleton-attorney-general-candidate-ken-paxton\/","url_meta":{"origin":217973,"position":3},"title":"Sen. Mayes Middleton announces bid for Texas attorney general","author":"Jasper Scherer","date":"April 15, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Middleton is the second Republican to join what is expected to be a growing field of candidates angling to succeed Attorney General Ken Paxton as the state\u2019s top legal official.","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Politics&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Politics","link":"https:\/\/www.texastribune.org\/topics\/politics\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Senator Mayes Middleton, R-Galveston, has entered the race for Texas attorney general.","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/032420Senate20LW2017-1-scaled.jpg?fit=1200%2C801&quality=89&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/032420Senate20LW2017-1-scaled.jpg?fit=1200%2C801&quality=89&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/032420Senate20LW2017-1-scaled.jpg?fit=1200%2C801&quality=89&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/032420Senate20LW2017-1-scaled.jpg?fit=1200%2C801&quality=89&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/032420Senate20LW2017-1-scaled.jpg?fit=1200%2C801&quality=89&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":215827,"url":"https:\/\/apps.texastribune.org\/features\/2026\/texas-march-2026-primary-ballot\/","url_meta":{"origin":217973,"position":4},"title":"Here\u2019s your Texas 2026 March primary ballot","author":"Carla Astudillo","date":"Jan. 6, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"The primary will take place on March 3. See the full list of statewide candidates, as well as who will be on your ballot.","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Politics&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Politics","link":"https:\/\/www.texastribune.org\/topics\/politics\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2020_primary_ballot_sponsor.png?fit=1200%2C800&quality=80&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2020_primary_ballot_sponsor.png?fit=1200%2C800&quality=80&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2020_primary_ballot_sponsor.png?fit=1200%2C800&quality=80&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2020_primary_ballot_sponsor.png?fit=1200%2C800&quality=80&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2020_primary_ballot_sponsor.png?fit=1200%2C800&quality=80&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":106217,"url":"https:\/\/www.texastribune.org\/2021\/07\/13\/texas-attorney-general-2022-lee-merritt-ken-paxton\/","url_meta":{"origin":217973,"position":5},"title":"Civil rights attorney Lee Merritt, a Democrat, launches campaign against Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton","author":"Patrick Svitek","date":"July 13, 2021","format":false,"excerpt":"Merritt officially began his Democratic campaign Tuesday with an emphasis on the voting rights battle that caused state House Democrats to leave Texas a day earlier.","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Politics&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Politics","link":"https:\/\/www.texastribune.org\/topics\/politics\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Attorney Lee Merritt testified last year during a U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee hearing to examine issues involving race and policing practices in the aftermath of the death of George Floyd.","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Lee20Merritt20REUTERS20TT-2-scaled.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&quality=89&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Lee20Merritt20REUTERS20TT-2-scaled.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&quality=89&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Lee20Merritt20REUTERS20TT-2-scaled.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&quality=89&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Lee20Merritt20REUTERS20TT-2-scaled.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&quality=89&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Lee20Merritt20REUTERS20TT-2-scaled.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&quality=89&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]}],"author_name":"Eleanor Klibanoff","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/217973","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1038"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=217973"}],"version-history":[{"count":44,"href":"https:\/\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/217973\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":218888,"href":"https:\/\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/217973\/revisions\/218888"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/218241"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=217973"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=217973"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=217973"},{"taxonomy":"newspack_spnsrs_tax","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/newspack_spnsrs_tax?post=217973"},{"taxonomy":"tt_series","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tt_series?post=217973"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.texastribune.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=217973"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}