State Sen. Joan Huffman is officially running for Texas attorney general, joining what’s shaping up to be a crowded Republican primary for the open seat.
The longtime senator—first elected in 2008 and currently serving as chair of the budget-writing Senate Finance Committee—announced her candidacy on Monday. Her decision comes after current Attorney General Ken Paxton said he would not seek re-election and is instead running for U.S. Senate against Sen. John Cornyn.
“I will be elected Attorney General because I am the best-qualified, most experienced candidate who understands the intricacies of every function of state government,” said Huffman.
In her announcement, she pointed to her 13 years as an assistant district attorney in Harris County, her tenure as a state district court judge, and her legislative record as evidence of her qualifications.
“You want an experienced attorney, not someone who’s never seen the inside of a courtroom or is simply a young politician climbing the political ladder,” she added.
Huffman joins a field that already includes State Sen. Mayes Middleton and former U.S. Department of Justice official Aaron Reitz.
With her Senate term not expiring until 2029, Huffman can run for attorney general without giving up her seat.
“I will work harder and smarter than the competition and meet voters in every corner of this state. I am the qualified and tough candidate to be the State of Texas’ first woman Attorney General,” she added.
The Republican primary will take place in March of 2026.
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