Texas politics is heating up as Attorney General Ken Paxton has endorsed Aaron Reitz in a race for his replacement. Paxton, a prominent Republican figure, previously held the position and is now backing Reitz just days after Republican U.S. Rep. Chip Roy announced his own bid for the same role. Paxton, in a statement to Fox News Digital, made clear his choice: “One of the most frequent questions Texans ask me is: ‘Ken, who should succeed you as Attorney General?’ My answer is now definitive: Aaron Reitz.”
Reitz previously worked as Texas Deputy Attorney General for Legal Strategy under Paxton, and his connection to Paxton carries weight. Paxton referred to Reitz as “the only candidate who is fully vetted, battle-tested, proven, and ready to be Attorney General,” stressing his loyalty and commitment to the rule of law. Paxton’s endorsement is significant, suggesting he believes Reitz is the best candidate to continue his vision for the office.
Reitz also expressed gratitude for the endorsement, calling it an honor to serve as Paxton’s “offensive coordinator.” He declared his determination to uphold Paxton’s legacy, stating, “Under Ken Paxton, Texas has been a shining example for the conservative movement on how to fight and win against the enemies of Law, Order, and Liberty.” Reitz has his sights set on tackling challenges he deems pressing, including accusations of radical leftist agendas threatening the rights and safety of Texans.
The race itself is shaping into a contest of contrasting visions. Chip Roy, who has a background as Paxton’s first assistant attorney general and currently serves in Congress, is vying for the position as well. In his announcement, Roy underscored his accomplishments in Congress and a desire to fight for Texas from the home front. He identified threats to Texas from “open-border politicians, radical leftists, and faceless foreign corporations,” vowing to defend conservative values and ensure the state’s sovereignty.
Roy’s endorsements from influential figures, like Senator Ted Cruz, underscore his standing in the race. Cruz highlighted Roy’s experience and steadfast commitment to conservative principles, stating, “I know Chip will always, always, always fight for conservative values.” The contrast between his endorsement of Roy and Paxton’s of Reitz showcases a potential division among Texas Republicans as they prepare for a critical election.
Adding another layer to the competition, state Senators Mayes Middleton and Joan Huffman are also entering the fray, eager to capture the attorney general position. Meanwhile, Democrats Nathan Johnson and Joe Jaworski are positioning themselves in what promises to be a multifaceted contest.
Chip Roy also pointed out the importance of stepping down from Congress to serve in the Texas role. He emphasized how hard he has fought to enact Trump’s agenda and highlighted his commitment to Texas as a driving force behind his decision to run. “I want to take my experience in Congress, as a federal prosecutor, and as First Assistant Attorney General to fight for Texas from Texas,” he remarked in a campaign release.
As this contest unfolds, Reitz remains firm in his decision to run. He shot back at speculation about withdrawing by sharing a defiant clip from “The Wolf of Wall Street,” proclaiming, “I’m not leavin’. I’m not f***in leavin’!” This indicates not only his commitment but points to an eagerness to tap into the heightened energy and enthusiasm typical of Republican races in Texas.
The stakes are high in this race, embedded in the context of Paxton’s recent impeachment saga. While he was acquitted by the state Senate after a tumultuous period marked by serious allegations, the implications for his successor are profound. Reitz aligns his campaign with Paxton’s legacies of conservative legal battles, while Roy draws on his legislative experience and ties to Cruz to rally support.
In a twist of irony, while both candidates have appeared together in campaigns under Senator Cruz, they are now positioned at opposite ends of this politically pivotal race. Cruz acknowledges this landscape of strong candidates, illustrating the wealth of choices before Texas voters. In his statement, Cruz noted, “Texas is blessed to have an abundance of strong conservatives stepping forward to lead, in such a time as this.”
With the backdrop of national issues and state-specific challenges, this contest for Texas Attorney General represents a microcosm of the larger political identity shaping the state. As the candidates sharpen their messages and rally support, all eyes will be on how these battles play out in the Lone Star State, where traditions and fiery politics often intertwine.
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