From Capitol Clash to Lone Star Law: Chip Roy's Bold Bid for Texas Attorney General

In a move that adds fresh intensity to the Republican nomination contest, U.S. Representative Chip Roy has officially launched his campaign for Texas Attorney General. Known for his uncompromising conservative streak and for frequently taking on leaders within his own party, Roy's entry into the AG race signals a high-stakes showdown.

A Defiant Return to State Politics

In a brief but emphatic announcement, Roy declared: “Texas is under assault—from open-border politicians, radical leftists, and faceless foreign corporations that threaten our sovereignty, safety and our way of life.” He framed his bid as a mission to “draw a line in the sand,” pledging to fight for Texan families and values as Attorney General.
ChronAP News

A seasoned conservative with roots as a federal prosecutor and former First Assistant Attorney General under Ken Paxton, Roy steps into a crowded primary fight to replace Paxton, who is now running for U.S. Senate. His campaign uniquely blends homegrown credentials with national visibility—thanks in part to his time in Congress and the national spotlight he often courts.
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Clashes with Trump and GOP Leadership

Roy's entry into state politics reprises a well-known theme: speaking truth to power—even when that power resides within his own party. His past stands include opposing federal spending bills supported by Trump, endorsing Ron DeSantis for president, and vocally disputing the 2020 election claims. Trump's response? A call for primary challengers to unseat him.
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Despite their tensions, Roy sometimes moved in lockstep with Trump on policy, particularly in areas like regulatory reform. Still, his independence and friction with GOP leadership remain central to his political identity—and campaign strategy.
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What Makes Roy a Heavyweight Contender

• Name Recognition & Fundraising Power: Roy enters the race with over $2.5 million in his campaign account and strong statewide visibility, giving him early clout among contenders.

• Conservative Credibility: His roles as a federal prosecutor and previous deputy in the Attorney General’s office boost his resume and appeal to GOP primary voters.
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The Competition He Faces

A well-populated primary awaits: State Senators Joan Huffman and Mayes Middleton, and Aaron Reitz, a former Paxton aide, have also declared their candidacies. Current polling still shows many voters undecided—setting the stage for a high-energy campaign among Texas conservatives.
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The Stakes for Texas and Beyond

Roy portrays the Attorney General’s office as a bulwark against liberal policy incursions and judicial overreach. If he wins, his tenure could refocus the office on aggressive legal challenges to federal authority and state enforcement of conservative priorities. His complex relationship with Trump may influence both endorsements and voter alignment.

As he shifts from Capitol Hill to the state’s top legal office, all eyes will be on whether his combative, boundary-pushing approach resonates with Texas’s Republican voters.