The race to succeed Ken Paxton as Texas Attorney General is intensifying, with four Republican candidates set to participate in a debate at the Granada Theater in Dallas. The debate, hosted by the Republican Attorneys General Association (RAGA), comes as early voting for the primary election is set to begin on the same day.
Paxton’s decision last April to challenge incumbent John Cornyn for his U.S. Senate seat created a power vacuum in the Attorney General’s office and sparked a crowded and competitive primary field. The departure of a three-term Attorney General, who had held the position for 12 years, has prompted a scramble among Republicans vying to take the reins of the state’s legal apparatus.
The Republican candidates vying for the position are State Sen. Joan Huffman, State Sen. Mayes Middleton, former Paxton aide and Department of Justice official Aaron Reitz, and U.S. Representative Chip Roy. The debate, moderated by Allie Beth Stuckey, host of Blaze Media’s “Relatable” podcast, aims to provide voters with a clearer understanding of each candidate’s platform and qualifications before they head to the polls.
The primary is being described as “chaotic and combative,” reflecting the high stakes and ideological differences within the Texas Republican party. Beyond the Republican field, the Democratic side features former FBI agent Tony Box, former Galveston Mayor Joe Jaworski, and State Sen. Nathan Johnson, adding another layer of complexity to the election cycle.
The RAGA hopes the debate will help voters navigate the crowded field and make an informed decision. The 90-minute event will be streamed live on KHOU 11+ and KVUE+, offering broader access to the proceedings. KHOU 11 and KVUE have clarified they did not organize or produce the debate and have no influence over the questions asked.
The timing of the debate is particularly significant, coinciding with the start of early voting. This allows voters to immediately apply what they learn during the debate to their voting decisions. The primary election will determine which candidate from each party will advance to the general election in November.
The Attorney General’s office in Texas is a powerful position, responsible for representing the state in legal matters, enforcing state laws, and providing legal counsel to state agencies. The next Attorney General will face significant challenges, including navigating complex legal issues related to immigration, border security, environmental regulations, and consumer protection.
The candidates are expected to address these issues during the debate, outlining their respective visions for the office and their approaches to tackling the state’s most pressing legal challenges. Voters will be looking for clear and concise answers on how each candidate plans to protect the interests of Texas and uphold the rule of law.
For those wishing to watch the debate on KHOU 11+, the app is available for download on various television platforms. The process involves searching for “KHOU 11” in the app store, selecting the KHOU 11+ app, and downloading it for free. The debate will be available live and, according to the RAGA, a full replay will be available immediately following the broadcast.
The outcome of the Attorney General’s race will have a significant impact on the future of Texas, shaping the state’s legal landscape for years to come. The debate offers a crucial opportunity for voters to assess the candidates and determine who is best equipped to lead the office and serve the interests of the state.
