Chip Roy Loses Texas AG Runoff to “MAGA Mayes” Middleton, May 27

U.S. Rep. Chip Roy lost the Texas Republican primary runoff for attorney general on May 26, finishing with 45% of the vote against state Sen. Mayes Middleton’s 55%. Middleton spent $17 million of his own money on the race, attacking Roy for past criticism of President Trump and backing Ron DeSantis in 2024. The race signals that GOP primary voters in Texas prioritize loyalty to Trump above other factors.

How Middleton Won the Runoff

Middleton, a Galveston state senator and oil and gas executive, came from behind to defeat Roy’s early name recognition advantage. He spent $17 million on television ads and mailers branding himself as “MAGA Mayes” and emphasizing his loyalty to Trump. Middleton’s campaign repeatedly attacked Roy for saying Trump engaged in “clearly impeachable conduct” on January 6, 2021, and for backing DeSantis’ failed 2024 presidential bid.

Roy’s Path to Defeat

Roy entered the race as the presumptive frontrunner, a fourth-term Austin congressman and former federal prosecutor who once served as a top aide to outgoing Attorney General Ken Paxton. He offered an identical ideological vision to Middleton, promising to use the office to pursue conservative goals. However, his relationship with Trump and the MAGA movement proved fatal to his campaign despite a late-stage push across Texas and support from House Freedom Caucus allies.

What Comes Next

Middleton will face Democrat Nathan Johnson in the November general election. Johnson, a Dallas state senator, won his party’s runoff with 61% of the vote against former Galveston Mayor Joe Jaworski. The winner will replace Ken Paxton, who defeated incumbent U.S. Sen. John Cornyn in the Republican Senate runoff on the same day. Under Paxton’s leadership, the Texas attorney general’s office became the lead advocate for Trump’s conservative agenda in the courts.

Roy’s Future in Politics

Roy told supporters he will leave Congress after giving up his safe red seat to run for attorney general. He survived stage three Hodgkin’s lymphoma and said he needed to return home to his family. However, he vowed his political voice would not disappear, telling a San Antonio rally: “My voice is not going to go anywhere.”

Final Thoughts

Middleton’s victory shows Texas GOP voters demand Trump loyalty above experience or credentials. The November race between Middleton and Johnson will determine who leads the office that has become central to advancing conservative legal strategy nationwide.

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