Rep. Chip Roy Announces Bid for Texas Attorney General in 2026
Rep. Chip Roy, an outspoken fiscal conservative and House Freedom Caucus member, is running for Texas Attorney General in 2026, aiming to replace Ken Paxton.
Chip Roy announces run to replace Ken Paxton as Texas attorney general
Washington Examiner
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Overview
- Rep. Chip Roy, a prominent fiscal conservative and House Freedom Caucus member, has officially launched his campaign for Texas Attorney General in 2026.
- Roy aims to replace current Attorney General Ken Paxton, having previously called for Paxton's resignation in 2020 and served as his second-in-command.
- Representing Texas's 21st Congressional District, Roy is known for his outspoken fiscal conservatism and has served four terms in Congress.
- Throughout his career, Roy has clashed with President Trump and GOP leaders over federal spending, while also advocating for border security reimbursement and fiscal responsibility.
- His political background includes playing a key role in negotiations for President Trump's tax bill, establishing him as a conservative firebrand.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources cover Chip Roy's candidacy announcement with a largely neutral and descriptive approach. They focus on providing factual background about his political career, affiliations, and past actions, including his complex relationship with Trump and his role in the House Freedom Caucus, without employing loaded language or overt bias.
"Roy enters an increasingly crowded Republican primary field to succeed Attorney General Ken Paxton, who is challenging Sen. John Cornyn in the Republican primary next year."
ABC News"Roy enters an increasingly crowded Republican primary field to succeed Attorney General Ken Paxton, who is challenging Sen. John Cornyn in the Republican primary next year."
Associated Press"Roy warned “the Texas of our dreams, our families and our forefathers is under assault,” blaming “radical Democrats and George Soros,” “open border politicians,” and “faceless corporations and the Chinese Communist Party.”"
NBC NewsArticles (7)
FAQ
Rep. Chip Roy is a Republican congressman representing Texas's 21st Congressional District since 2019, known as a fiscal conservative and prominent member of the House Freedom Caucus. He has served as Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton's second-in-command and was a central figure in negotiations on President Trump's tax bill, often clashing with GOP leadership on federal spending.
Rep. Chip Roy is running to replace current Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who is not seeking re-election for the position but instead running for U.S. Senate in 2026. Roy cites the need to defend Texas against what he describes as threats from open-border politicians, radical leftists, and foreign corporations, aiming to uphold Texas's legacy of liberty and sovereignty.
Rep. Chip Roy served as Ken Paxton's second-in-command in the Texas Attorney General's office but later became an outspoken critic. Roy was the most prominent Republican to call for Paxton's resignation in 2020 after allegations of bribery and abuse of office against Paxton surfaced.
Rep. Chip Roy emphasizes fiscal conservatism, border security, requiring voter citizenship verification, fighting federal spending, and defending Texas's rights and sovereignty. He positions himself as a fighter against left-leaning prosecutors and judges and advocates for Texas families and communities.
Other declared Republican candidates for the 2026 Texas Attorney General race include state senators Joan Huffman and Mayes Middleton, and former U.S. Assistant Attorney General Aaron Reitz. Incumbent Ken Paxton is not running for re-election as Attorney General but is challenging U.S. Senator John Cornyn in the Republican primary.
History
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