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Texas GOP Primary Debate: Chip Roy Faces Rivals' Criticism

2/19/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The GOP primary debate for Texas Attorney General was at the Granada Theater in Dallas with U.S. Representative Chip Roy (R-TX), Mayes Middleton, Joan Huffman, and Aaron Reitz, the first without Ken Paxton, who seeks the U.S. Senate.
Roy leads in polls, with rivals criticizing him for past disagreements with President Donald Trump.
Early voting is underway for the Texas GOP primary, which is set for March 3.

History

Historical Context

The Texas Republican Party's first statewide convention in 1964 marked a pivotal shift in political power, leading to John Tower's election as the first Republican U.S. Senator from Texas since Reconstruction. This event laid the groundwork for the GOP's dominance in Texas, which has continued to evolve, as seen in the current primary debate featuring candidates like Chip Roy, reflecting ongoing party tensions.

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Story summary

The GOP primary debate for Texas Attorney General was at the Granada Theater in Dallas with U.S. Representative Chip Roy (R-TX), Mayes Middleton, Joan Huffman, and Aaron Reitz, the first without Ken Paxton, who seeks the U.S. Senate.
Roy leads in polls, with rivals criticizing him for past disagreements with President Donald Trump.
Early voting is underway for the Texas GOP primary, which is set for March 3.

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