The race to become Texas’ next attorney general is heating up, poised to erupt in a crucial debate as early voting already underway intensifies a fiercely contested primary. Four Republicans are vying for the position left vacant by the current attorney general’s Senate bid, setting the stage for a showdown in Dallas.
Tuesday evening, the Granada Theater will host this pivotal event, beginning at 7 p.m. Central Time. Conservative podcaster Allie Beth Stuckey will moderate, guiding the candidates through questions designed to reveal their stances on the most pressing legal challenges facing both Texas and the nation.
Congressman Chip Roy, a fourth-term representative known for his affiliation with the House Freedom Caucus, enters the debate with the most established national profile. However, his past disagreements with former President Trump have become ammunition for his opponents.
Aaron Reitz, a former Trump Department of Justice official, and Mayes Middleton, an oil executive campaigning on an “America First” platform, have both seized on Roy’s past clashes with the former president. They’ve repeatedly characterized him as an obstructionist, echoing a direct attack leveled by Trump himself on social media.
The core of the conflict stems from a December standoff over government funding, where Trump publicly criticized Roy as one of several “Republican obstructionists.” Reitz has accused Roy of being “belligerently anti-Trump,” while Middleton reinforces the narrative of resistance.
State Senator Joan Huffman, also in the running, has distinguished herself by emphasizing a commitment to upholding the rule of law throughout her campaign. She offers a contrasting approach to the more populist appeals of her rivals.
Stuckey has emphasized that the debate will center on the critical legal battles the next attorney general will inherit, particularly those concerning border security and constitutional rights. The questions are designed to resonate not just with Texas voters, but with Americans nationwide.
Organizers promise a “fiery, fun and informative night,” acknowledging the high stakes and the strong personalities involved. The Republican Attorneys General Association (RAGA) believes this debate will provide a vital opportunity for Texans to assess the candidates’ visions for the future.
RAGA leadership has underscored the importance of the attorney general’s role, both in protecting the citizens of Texas and in safeguarding fundamental freedoms for generations to come. The debate aims to illuminate each candidate’s approach to these critical responsibilities.
