Texas Congressman Chip Roy has entered the race for Texas Attorney General, immediately drawing backlash from conservatives who accuse him of betraying President Donald Trump and Attorney General Ken Paxton.
Roy, who represents Texas’ 21st Congressional District, announced his campaign Thursday, touting his background as a federal prosecutor and as First Assistant Attorney General under Paxton.
“It has been my honor to represent the 21st Congressional District of Texas — the best part of the best state in the greatest country in the history of the world,” Roy said. “I want to take my experience in Congress, as a federal prosecutor, and as First Assistant Attorney General to fight for Texas from Texas.”
Turncoat Accusations
Roy’s announcement reignited criticism from grassroots Republicans who point to his past support for impeaching both Paxton and Trump. Roy previously encouraged Paxton’s impeachment amid legal controversies and voiced support for impeaching Trump following the events of January 6.
Activists resurfaced those statements after his campaign launch.
“Chip Roy has announced he is running for Texas Attorney General. Let’s never forget when he called all of MAGA a bunch of F$CKERS!” one user posted on X.
“Texans need to remember that Chip Roy is neither America First nor MAGA. In fact he hates President Trump, Republican voters, and the current Attorney General Ken Paxton. Roy is the worst possible candidate to replace Paxton,” wrote conservative media personality AMUSE.
Early Polling
Early polling sent to DX indicates Roy begins the race with an initial lead, though critics argue his record on Trump and Paxton could erode that support as the campaign heats up.
The Field
Roy joins State Sen. Mayes Middleton (R-Galveston) and former DOJ appointee Aaron Reitz in the GOP primary for attorney general. Paxton is running for U.S. Senate against Sen. John Cornyn, leaving the office open for the first time in years.
The Dallas Express reached out to Roy’s campaign for comment but did not receive a response.