Congressman Chip Roy and State Sen. Mayes Middleton are locked in a bruising battle for Texas attorney general ahead of the May 26 Republican primary runoff.
The race has tightened in recent weeks after Roy received a surge of donations, including nearly $3 million from West Texas conservative megadonor Alex Fairly. Middleton had previously outspent Roy using significant family wealth tied to his family’s oil and cattle business.
Roy said increased fundraising has helped him compete after being heavily outspent earlier in the race.
“Built on the back of name ID, what I’m doing in Congress and now getting our message out through you know our advertising, which we were getting as I said way out spent back in March,” Roy said.
NBC 5 News
NBC 5 News Chip Roy
Roy, a former federal prosecutor, has built a reputation as an independent conservative voice. He previously worked in the attorney general’s office, for U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) and for former Texas Gov. Rick Perry.
Roy also questioned Middleton’s legal experience.
“You know, I’ve practiced law and complex litigation. My opponent has not. He’s never had any meaningful legal job or experience. I’m not even sure, you know, respectfully what you’d hire him for in the office if I was just staffing up the office as attorney general,” Roy said.
Middleton finished first in the March primary after spending more than $10 million of his own money. He has emphasized his loyalty to President Donald Trump throughout the campaign, branding himself as “MAGA” Mayes Middleton.
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NBC 5 News Mayes Middleton
Middleton said he plans to continue pushing legal challenges against progressive groups and causes.
“The number one thing that must be done in the AG’s office is to defeat the left. And I have the experience doing exactly that. I mean, this is a show me, don’t tell me, business, right?” Middleton said.
Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has endorsed Middleton, and current Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton was recorded in leaked audio saying he would support Middleton in May.
Middleton also highlighted his support for Trump and conservative causes.
“I’m 100% pro-Trump, right? President Trump called me a conservative champion, a MAGA champion. He said my conservative record is second to none. And from day one, I’ve said I’ll use every resource and tool to back up the president,” Middleton said.
According to The Texas Tribune, the contest has already become the most expensive state attorney general race in U.S. history. The winner of the runoff is expected to become the frontrunner in November for one of the most powerful statewide offices in the country.
This story was originally reported for broadcast by NBC DFW. AI tools helped convert the story into a digital article, and an NBC DFW journalist edited it again before publication.
