Texas has chosen its next attorney general. Nathan Johnson (D) defeated Mayes Middleton (R) Tuesday night, winning the race to lead the state's top law enforcement office and succeed Ken Paxton.
Johnson secured 52.5%% of the vote, compared with Middleton's 45.8%, according to AP.
The race opened a new chapter for the office after Paxton left the attorney general's position to pursue a U.S. Senate seat. The contest put Texas' legal battles, consumer protection enforcement, and its relationship with the federal government in the spotlight.
During the campaign, Johnson focused on targeting unfair practices, including price gouging and consumer scams, reforming the Texas health insurance marketplace, reforming the criminal code, restoring institutional integrity, and securing water and the Texas grid. At the same time, Middleton emphasized enforcing sex-based eligibility requirements in girls' and women's spaces, including restrooms and sports, protecting kids from gender ideology, protecting Texas taxpayers and consumers, securing the border, and upholding pro-life laws. The winner will oversee an office responsible for representing Texas in court, defending state laws, and pursuing legal action on behalf of the state.
The new attorney general will inherit ongoing disputes involving healthcare regulations, consumer protection against tech companies, and inter-agency authority.
"This is a tremendous honor, and a tremendous responsibility," said Johnson. "Texans voted for an attorney general who will represent them and the interests of our state, and who will above all uphold the rule of law. That’s what I intend to do."
With Paxton's tenure ending, the election gives Texas voters a new attorney general and gives Johnson the opportunity to put a different stamp on the office.
