Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton's decision to challenge U.S. Sen. John Cornyn in next year's primary has created two competitive races. While Paxton and Cornyn battle for the GOP Senate nomination, a new crop of Republican candidates will challenge for Paxton's attorney general seat. "The attorney general post is one of the most coveted positions in Texas state government, rivaled only by the governor and Lt. governor's office," says Mark Jones, Rice University political science professor.
This marks the first time the AG's office will be an open seat since 2014, when Greg Abbott was leaving the post to run for governor. Jones expects an expensive and competitive GOP primary. "Two individuals who pop to the top of the list, I think, would be State Senator Bryan Hughes and State Senator Mayes Middleton," says Jones. "Hughes from East Texas and Middleton from here in the Houston metro region."
"We also have to consider state Railroad Commissioner Christi Craddick as well," he continues. "And perhaps former Texas Supreme Court Justice Eva Guzman, who unsuccessfully challenged Paxton back in 2022."
One name Jones doesn't expect in the race is George P. Bush, the former Texas land commissioner who challenged Paxton in '22. "I think the sun set on the Bush family dynasty...and I don't think he would have much hope whatsoever," he says.
And with Texas Democrats not having won a statewide race in more than 30 years, the GOP primary becomes the de facto general election. "Unless something very unexpected happens, more likely than not whoever wins the Republican AG primary will be the next attorney general of the state of Texas," says Jones.
Photo: Gann, Brian (uploader)