The Texas attorney general race is entering a more public phase as candidates begin rolling out campaign advertising that signals how they intend to frame their candidacies ahead of the 2026 Republican primary.
Republican attorney general candidate Aaron Reitz recently released his first campaign advertisement, becoming the latest contender to use paid messaging as the field takes shape. The move comes as several high-profile Republicans compete to succeed Attorney General Ken Paxton in one of the state’s most closely watched statewide races.
Reitz Ad Focuses on Cultural and National Identity Themes
In his advertisement, Reitz references his service as a U.S. Marine in Afghanistan and argues that current immigration policies have undermined public safety and national cohesion. He asserts that political leaders have allowed large-scale immigration that he says has led to increased crime and security threats, and warns that some communities seek to impose Islamic law in Texas.
Reitz concludes the spot by stating that, if elected attorney general, he would “stop the invasion” and defend what he describes as Christian values. The video includes a disclaimer noting that some visual elements were generated using artificial intelligence.
The ad opens with biographical framing before shifting to broader cultural and national-identity messaging, offering an early look at how Reitz intends to define his campaign.
How Other AG Candidates Are Approaching Early Advertising
Early campaign advertising in the attorney general race shows notable differences in tone and format among the leading Republican contenders.
U.S. Rep. Chip Roy has released a video advertisement emphasizing his background as a federal prosecutor, his work on border and cartel policy, and his alignment with President Donald Trump, framing his candidacy around law enforcement and constitutional authority.
Sen. Mayes Middleton has also used video advertising to highlight his conservative legislative record, focusing on border security, restrictions on foreign land ownership, and social policy issues, while casting himself as a close ally of President Trump.
Sen. Joan Huffman, by contrast, has begun with radio advertising rather than video. Her messaging centers on her long career in law enforcement and the judiciary, emphasizing prosecution experience, public safety, and what her campaign describes as a “law-and-order” record.
The differing formats and themes reflect early strategic choices as candidates seek to distinguish themselves to Republican primary voters.
Campaign and Race Context
Reitz previously served as first assistant attorney general under Paxton before working as chief of staff to U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz and later holding a senior role at the U.S. Department of Justice during the Trump administration. As previously reported by The Dallas Express, Paxton endorsed Reitz last year, describing him as the candidate best positioned to continue the legal battles pursued by his office.
The attorney general contest has so far featured endorsements, public forums, and early messaging efforts, but paid advertising now signals that candidates are beginning to move from organizational groundwork into a more competitive phase of the campaign.
The Road Ahead
With the March 3 Republican primary less than two months away, additional advertising and messaging from the attorney general candidates is expected as voters begin to focus more closely on the race.