The Republican state senator is betting his hardline conservative message will carry him past Rep. Chip Roy.
HOUSTON — As Texas Republicans prepare to vote in Tuesday’s runoff election, Sen. Mayes Middleton is making his closing argument to voters in a bitter and expensive race to become the state’s next attorney general.
Middleton, who faces Rep. Chip Roy in the GOP runoff, sat down with KHOU 11 for a one-on-one interview to discuss his priorities, his attacks on Roy, and why he believes he is the best choice to succeed outgoing Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.
The race has become one of the most expensive attorney general primaries in U.S. history, with both candidates spending heavily and battling for conservative voters in a contest that has also drawn national attention.
“I am the Trump candidate in this race,” Middleton said during the interview.
Middleton finished first in the March primary and is positioning himself as the hardline conservative in the runoff, branding himself as “MAGA Mayes” as he appeals to Republican voters.
When asked why Texans should trust him with one of the most powerful legal offices in the state, Middleton said the race is personal.
“This is a calling for me. It’s not a job. It’s not about the title or the perks. I’m only here to do what’s right,” Middleton said.
Middleton has spent more than $11 million of his own money on the race and says his priorities as attorney general would include continuing Paxton’s work in the office, supporting President Donald Trump’s immigration policies, taking on cartels and targeting what he calls waste, fraud and abuse.
“The number one most important thing that we have to do is defeat the left,” Middleton said. “If you are an enemy of Texas, you are an enemy of mine.”
Middleton’s critics, including Roy, have questioned whether he has the legal experience to run the attorney general’s office, arguing he has never practiced law in a meaningful way.
When asked about those attacks, Middleton fired back.
“He doesn’t have what it takes; he got fired,” Middleton said, referring to Roy.
Middleton also defended his conservative credentials.
“This is about that proven conservative record,” he said.
Part of Middleton’s campaign message has included his views on the 2020 presidential election.
“That was a stolen election, let me be clear about that,” Middleton said during the interview.
KHOU 11 pushed back on that claim, noting that courts and election reviews did not find evidence of widespread fraud that changed the outcome of the election.
So far, former President Donald Trump has not endorsed either candidate in the runoff.
Middleton says he believes his conservative message will carry him to victory.
“This is really simple, we’ve got to protect and defend Texas,” Middleton said.
Middleton also took aim at Roy over his relationship with Trump.
“President Trump can’t trust Chip Roy. Neither can I. Neither should you,” Middleton said.
The winner of Tuesday’s Republican runoff will advance to the November election to face the winner of the Democratic runoff between Texas State Sen. Nathan Johnson and former Galveston Mayor Joe Jaworski.
You can watch our full interview with Mayes Middleton here: