Another heavyweight has thrown his name into the ring for Attorney General, and it’s none other than Rep. Chip Roy. This Austin-based conservative firebrand, known for his no-nonsense approach in Congress, announced his candidacy on Thursday, August 21, 2025, promising to bring his battle-tested experience to the state’s top legal office. If you thought this race was already a barnburner, Roy’s entry just poured gasoline on the fire.
According to The Daily Caller, representing Texas’s 21st congressional district since 2019, Roy is now vying to replace current Attorney General Ken Paxton in a primary contest already brimming with contenders like Aaron Reitz, Mayes Middleton, and Joan Huffman.
Currently in his fourth term, Roy has built a reputation as a leading voice in the House Freedom Caucus, where he serves as policy chair. He’s been at the forefront of conservative causes, pushing for voter citizenship verification and tougher policies on cities that resist federal immigration enforcement. This isn’t just a resume—it’s a call to arms for those who want Texas values front and center.
Roy’s announcement came with a hefty $2.5 million war chest, signaling he’s not just dipping a toe in this race—he’s diving in headfirst. That kind of cash could make even the most entrenched opponents sweat, especially in a field where name recognition is half the battle.
Speaking of recognition, Roy’s time in Congress has made him a familiar face to many Republican voters. He’s been a key player in securing federal funds for border security during the Biden administration, a hot-button issue for Texans tired of federal overreach on immigration policy. It’s the kind of record that resonates with folks who see the border as a line in the sand—literally and figuratively.
Roy didn’t shy away from touting his achievements, declaring, “I am particularly proud of our work to deliver on President Trump’s agenda.” Well, that’s a bold banner to wave, and it’s sure to rally the base who still see Trump’s policies as the gold standard. But in a crowded primary, will that be enough to stand out, or is it just red meat for an already hungry crowd?
Not content to rest on past laurels, Roy also helped broker a deal with House GOP leadership to slash over $1.5 trillion in spending through Trump’s signature legislative push. That’s the kind of fiscal conservatism that gets a nod of approval from taxpayers tired of Washington’s spending sprees. It’s a feather in his cap, but will it translate to a state-level race?
Roy’s motivations seem personal as well as political, as he reflected, “My experience watching Texans unite in response to the devastating Hill County floods made clear that I want to come home.” There’s a touch of heart in that statement, a reminder that even tough-talking politicians can be moved by community grit. Let’s hope that sentiment doesn’t get lost in the mudslinging of a primary fight.
“I want to take my experience in Congress, as a federal prosecutor, and as First Assistant Attorney General to fight for Texas from Texas,” Roy added. That’s a triple-threat resume, and it’s hard to argue with someone who’s walked the walk at both federal and state levels. Still, experience is one thing—connecting with voters on kitchen-table issues is another.
The primary race Roy just entered is already a packed house, with competitors like Aaron Reitz, a former Paxton aide and Department of Justice appointee, alongside state Senators Mayes Middleton and Joan Huffman. It’s a lineup that could split the conservative vote six ways to Sunday, making every handshake and stump speech count.
Adding to the uncertainty, a poll from Texas Southern University, released the same day as Roy’s announcement, revealed that nearly three-quarters of likely Republican primary voters are still undecided. That’s a wide-open field, and while Roy wasn’t included in the survey, it suggests there’s plenty of room to make an impression—or a misstep.
Roy seems ready to draw his battle lines, stating, “Texas’s next attorney general must have a proven record of fighting to preserve, protect, and defend our legacy.” It’s a rallying cry for those who feel the state’s identity is under siege from progressive agendas, but it’s also a challenge to his rivals to match his track record. Will they rise to it, or will Roy’s congressional clout give him the edge?
For Republican voters, Roy’s candidacy offers a familiar face with a staunchly conservative bent, someone who’s fought the good fight against what many see as federal overreach and cultural drift. Yet, in a race this crowded, familiarity could be a double-edged sword if voters crave a fresh perspective over a D.C. veteran.
The stakes couldn’t be higher for Texas, where the Attorney General’s office often serves as the first line of defense against policies that clash with state priorities. Roy’s entry ensures this primary will be a slugfest of ideas, values, and visions for how to protect the Lone Star State’s way of life.
As this race heats up, one thing is clear: Chip Roy isn’t here to play nice or sit on the sidelines. He’s banking on his experience, his name, and his unapologetic conservatism to win over undecided voters. Whether that’s enough to clinch the nomination in a field of heavy hitters remains to be seen, but Texas politics just got a whole lot spicier.
