U.S. Rep. Chip Roy has launched a campaign for Texas attorney general, becoming the latest Republican to enter the contest for the open seat in 2026.
Roy, who currently represents Texas’ 21st Congressional District and serves as policy director of the House Freedom Caucus, announced his bid in a statement on Thursday, citing a desire to fight for Texas families and defend the state’s “legacy of freedom.”
“Texas is under assault—from open-border politicians, radical leftists, and faceless foreign corporations that threaten our sovereignty, safety, and our way of life,” said Roy. “It’s time to draw a line in the sand.”
A former assistant U.S. attorney and first assistant attorney general of Texas, Roy emphasized his legal experience and record in Congress leading efforts on border security, government reform, and combatting Communist China.
“Texas has a long and proud tradition of rising to defend our homes, our freedom, and our communities,” said Roy. “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.”
Once working under Paxton in the attorney general’s office, Roy was among those who called on him to resign before his impeachment by the Texas House. Paxton was later acquitted in the Texas Senate.
He joins a Republican primary field that now includes State Sens. Joan Huffman and Mayes Middleton as well as former DOJ official Aaron Reitz. The seat is open following Attorney General Ken Paxton’s decision to run for U.S. Senate against incumbent Sen. John Cornyn.
