Harris County: Democrat wins Texas Attorney General race

Nathan Johnson defeated Republican challenger Mayes Middleton to become the next Texas Attorney General. The Associated Press called the race for Johnson at 4:39 a.m. on Wednesday, with 94% of the votes counted. Johnson held approximately 52% of the total, while Middleton secured 46%.

The result follows a series of Democratic victories across the state on Tuesday. James Talarico won the U.S. Senate seat previously held by Attorney General Ken Paxton. Governor Greg Abbott conceded the governor’s race to Democratic challenger Gina Hinojosa. Johnson’s win makes him the first Democrat to hold the attorney general’s office since Dan Morales left in 1999.

Ken Paxton, who ran for the Senate in this cycle, reshaped the attorney general’s office during his tenure. He focused heavily on conservative social issues and President Donald Trump’s agenda. During the time his term overlapped with the Obama administration, Paxton filed 17 lawsuits. He later filed more than 100 lawsuits against the Biden administration, including an attempt to overturn the 2020 election results.

Johnson outlined a different approach to the role in a prior interview with KERA. He stated that the office should not function as a political stronghold. He described the attorney general as the advocate for all Texans, regardless of party affiliation. Johnson noted that the office requires repair following its recent use in political battles.

"I would not make it a political stronghold," Johnson said. "It's not supposed to be. It's supposed to the attorney for the people of the state of Texas, whether they're Democrats or Republicans. There is some damage to undo."

Middleton campaigned on a platform aligned with the MAGA movement. The state senator from the 11th district used the nickname "MAGA Mayes" in his advertising. He pledged to support the current president’s agenda using all available state tools. Middleton spoke at the Conservative Political Action Conference earlier this year about his plans for the office.

"We need someone in that office like me who will use every resource and tool to back up President Trump and his America First agenda, and that is exactly what I will do," Middleton said.