State of Texas: GOP AG hopefuls agree on policy but clash over records in Dallas debate
The Hill
by Adam SchwagerFebruary 22, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The four candidates vying for the Republican nomination for Texas Attorney General — State Sen. Mayes Middleton, R-Galveston, State Sen. Joan Huffman, R-Houston, former Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Reitz, and U.S. Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas — largely agree on policy positions but clashed sharply over their respective records and qualifications during a heated debate hosted by the Republican Attorneys General Association (RAGA). Despite sharing similar views on key issues like border security, crime prevention, and legal reform, the candidates engaged in personal attacks, focusing on each other's experience and credibility.
Middleton and Huffman, both experienced state senators, faced criticism from their opponents for their lack of federal legal experience. Reitz, a former federal prosecutor, emphasized his superior understanding of complex cases, while Roy, a U.S. Representative with a background in law enforcement, highlighted his bipartisan achievements in Congress. Each candidate sought to undermine the others' credentials, arguing that their own track records made them more qualified to serve as Texas Attorney General.
The debate revealed a race where policy consensus has not translated into political unity. Candidates attacked each other's professional backgrounds and public records, with particularly sharp exchanges over who would best represent Texas in high-stakes legal battles. The clash underscores the challenges of uniting a fractured Republican field, even when ideological differences are minimal.
This debate highlights the importance of candidate qualifications in a high-profile race like Texas' attorney general election. With four strong candidates vying for the nomination, voters will need to weigh not only policy platforms but also personal and professional backgrounds as they decide whom to support. The outcome of this race could significantly impact Texas' legal landscape under the next administration.
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Originally published on The Hill on 2/22/2026