Texas Rep Chip Roy announces run for state attorney general to replace Ken Paxton

U.S. Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, announced Thursday that he is running to become the next Texas Attorney General. 

Roy, who represents Texas’ 21st Congressional District in the U.S. House, made the announcement in a campaign video shared to X that centered on preserving the Lone Star State’s legacy of “liberty, freedom and self-determination.” 

“Texas has a long and proud tradition of rising to defend our homes, our freedom, and our communities,” he wrote in an accompanying message. “I’m running for Attorney General to carry on that legacy… unafraid to fight, unafraid to win, and unafraid to defend Texas at every turn. #LiveFree.”

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The race is slated for November 2026 – the same time as Republicans defend a slim minority in the House during the midterm elections. A primary is scheduled for March. 

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is eligible for a fourth term but is not seeking re-election as the state’s top prosecutor. In April, Paxton announced that he was instead running a 2026 primary challenge to U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, making for a clash between two powerful Republicans that could have state and national implications. 

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Roy, policy chair of the far-right House Freedom Caucus, said it has been an honor to represent the 21st Congressional District and that he was particularly proud “of our work to deliver on President Trump’s agenda and fight to drain the swamp.”

“I could do it forever and be fulfilled professionally. But representatives should not be permanent. And my experience watching Texans unite in response to the devastating Hill Country floods made clear that I want to come home,” Roy, who has served the central Texas district since 2019, said in a statement. “I want to take my experience in Congress, as a federal prosecutor, and as First Assistant Attorney General to fight for Texas from Texas.” 

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“Texas is under assault – from open-border politicians, radical leftists and faceless foreign corporations that threaten our sovereignty, safety and our way of life,” Roy said. “It’s time to draw a line in the sand. As Attorney General, I will fight every single day for our God-given rights, for our families and for the future of Texas.”

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.